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Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 164 Ratings

  • Summary: Kevin Barnes injects atypically autobiographical subject matter into his danceable indie-pop tunes on his latest Of Montreal release.

Top Track

Gronlandic Edit
Nihilists with good imaginations I am satisfied Hiding in our friend's apartment Only leaving once a day To buy some groceries Daylight, I'm so... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    With this completely progressive and mature effort, it's clear that Barnes is one of indie rock's most gifted songwriters. [Feb 2007, p.115]
  2. What makes these songs so positively delicious, in the same way that going on a bender can be a welcome alternative to crying into a pillow, is that Barnes realizes how seductive misery can be.
  3. Hissing Fauna might be Barnes’ finest work yet, an opus built entirely of sugar.
  4. Magnet
    80
    The emotional gravitas only lends heft to the group's exhilarating, ever-present sugar high. [#74, p.104]
  5. It's all darkly beautiful, because Barnes continues to emote more through the music than through his words.
  6. Fauna's first half is cosmic pop turmoil of the highest degree, as only a master songwriter could create.
  7. Most of what Barnes throws together here doesn't get beyond annoying pastiche, and he still lacks the chops as a wordsmith to magically transform mediocre jams into memorable songs.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 97
  2. Negative: 5 out of 97
  1. DavidC.
    May 31, 2009
    10
    This is one of the greatest albums of this decade. The comedic and cynical lyrics counter the poppy melodies of the album in almost an ironic This is one of the greatest albums of this decade. The comedic and cynical lyrics counter the poppy melodies of the album in almost an ironic way. "The Past is a Grotesque Animal" lies perfectly in the middle of the album, where the music takes a sharp turn for the serious and angry. Of Montreal finds a way to make the most unlikely combination of lyrics and music to create one amazing feeling of loss and anger. It is a truly unique and wonderful album from a truly unique and wonderful band. Expand
  2. Cat
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    A really fun album. My boyfriend and I dance to it all the time. All and by the way, best album of the year!
  3. andresl
    Jan 30, 2007
    10
    wow, how could this band slip under my radar. this is the first record i have listen to by them but i think is absolutly brilliant. i'm wow, how could this band slip under my radar. this is the first record i have listen to by them but i think is absolutly brilliant. i'm gonna check out their previous albums although the reviews suggest they are quiet different. this one is very catchy, the production is excellent and the lyrics kinda dark but very funny. some songs sound like beck circa midnight vultures others like good bowie. no filler i like all the songs Expand
  4. ColinO
    Jun 9, 2007
    10
    A terrifically fun album.
  5. BobP
    Feb 4, 2007
    9
    Saddest disco album ever!
  6. kevk
    Apr 17, 2007
    9
    can you say, masterpiece?
  7. TheJackyl
    Jan 24, 2007
    0
    Worst band ever.

See all 97 User Reviews