Holopaw
by Holopaw
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 21, 2003
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Ink 19
    90
    Repeated listening reveals Holopaw to be both a richly textured and profoundly moving record, one of the year's first truly mesmerizing folk albums.
  2. E! Online
    83
    A lesson in subtlety, 10 songs of abstract musical impressions that foil today's connect-the-dots pop.
  3. Pitchfork
    82
    Holopaw's cover art and Depression-era script logo might be indie-folk standard issue, but the music contained within is a refreshing, effective new use of the boundaries: a wood-paneled Powerbook.
  5. Junkmedia
    80
    The subtle mix of acoustic instruments with warm electric washes gives Holopaw's songs a surprising amount of depth.
  6. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Much of this record is quietly beautiful, and its laments gather weight with repeated listens.
  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    For a debut album, this is extremely strong.
  8. AllMusic
    80
    A delicate, contemplative union of indie rock, country, and electronica.
  9. Splendid
    80
    Its ten tracks wend their way through a forest of oblique metaphors, kaleidoscopically fractured images and alt-country instrumentation, their path lit only by the wounding fragility of Orth's voice.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    That's not to say that Holopaw isn't good, because it is -- it's ethereal and earthy -- but it's definitely not a record to listen to while you're, say, cleaning your house or on a road trip.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. tusanata
    Jul 2, 2013
    5
    This is a record dedicated to one type of people, I'm not that type. Its too slow, almost making me fall asleep. Nice to listen to, but noThis is a record dedicated to one type of people, I'm not that type. Its too slow, almost making me fall asleep. Nice to listen to, but no more than once.… Full Review »
  2. StevenA
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    Incredible. The sincerity of the album surpasses so much of the ironicly snide indie rock of today.
  3. megans
    Jun 1, 2004
    10
    beautiful. "hula-la" has a profound effect on me.
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