Hirudin
by Austra
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 1, 2020
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Beats Per Minute
    May 4, 2020
    80
    Her latest, HiRUDiN, is another notch on a belt which is tightening its grip on pop supremacy.
  2. AllMusic
    May 1, 2020
    80
    While it's not as brilliantly cohesive as Future Politics, Hirudin's exploration of losing someone and finding yourself sounds like the music Stelmanis had to make.
  3. Pitchfork
    May 6, 2020
    73
    The most dynamic of Austra’s albums, HiRUDiN cultivates the raw pleasure of pop hooks without shying from the strangeness and discordance that has lit up the project since its 2011 debut.
  5. DIY Magazine
    May 11, 2020
    70
    While the unique sonics and instrumentation of this album are notably brilliant, they at times feel disjointed on a track-to-track basis.
  6. musicOMH.com
    May 4, 2020
    70
    In general there is less percussion than previous Austra albums, which heighten the intimacy in songs like How Did You Know. The exception is the clattering set of drum fills towards the end of It’s Amazing, which disappears in a swirl of harp-like ripples. Yet HiRURiN, as with previous Austra albums, is all about the voice.
  7. Uncut
    May 1, 2020
    70
    No shortage of flamboyant tunes. [Jun 2020, p.27]
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  8. Exclaim
    May 1, 2020
    70
    For all its focus on breakups, love very much appears on the record. "How Did You Know?" uses light and layered synths to create air on the album and explore the feeling of hope found in a new love."
  9. The Line of Best Fit
    May 1, 2020
    70
    As well as a wide range of emotions, various musical styles are visited and executed with the causal confidence becoming synonymous with her output.
  10. Under The Radar
    May 1, 2020
    70
    Overall, HiRUDiN is a winning combination of the familiar and the peculiar and is worth a listen for fans of rhapsodic pop rock with seductive vocals and grooves.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. MarcosAleman
    May 1, 2020
    10
    This whole album is so incredible and each song is so unique, beautiful and meaningful ✨♥️
  2. RTAir
    May 3, 2020
    9
    A true body of work, HiRUDiN is cohesive from start to finish. In terms of sound, it is unlike any of the previous albums – and quite possiblyA true body of work, HiRUDiN is cohesive from start to finish. In terms of sound, it is unlike any of the previous albums – and quite possibly contains Austra’s strongest songwriting to date, encapsulating the whirlwind of emotions preceding, during, and following a break-up. The influence of the likes of Björk or Kate Bush can be felt throughout. Despite its intimate nature, the record doesn’t omit traditional bangers, reminiscent of Austra’s early years. A triumphant return to form.

    Highlights: Anywayz, All I Wanted, How Did You Know?, Messiah    … Full Review »
  3. dramatickid
    May 21, 2020
    8
    The most intimate, sentimental and heartbreaking Austra record to date. Katie Stelmanis' voice sounds as great and dramatic as ever and it'sThe most intimate, sentimental and heartbreaking Austra record to date. Katie Stelmanis' voice sounds as great and dramatic as ever and it's enhanced by her strongest and most personal/relatable songwriting in her career. The production results in an enchanting layering of synths and piano which never sounds trivial or dull throughout the whole record. Easily her best album since Feel it Break.… Full Review »
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