Hot Dreams
by Timber Timbre
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. The Guardian
    Mar 27, 2014
    100
    Saxophones are smokin' and guitars twang, making Hot Dreams sound like the soundtrack to a western directed by David Lynch.
  2. Exclaim
    Mar 28, 2014
    90
    There are no false steps here in this forest of dreams.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 27, 2014
    85
    Timber Timbre, in crafting Hot Dreams, have cultivated an immensely strong record and an alternate sonic dimension you can spend a lifetime exploring.
  5. Blurt Magazine
    Jun 13, 2014
    80
    More than any previous Timber Timbre record, Hot Dreams simmers sonically with the chaos lurking just below these surfaces. Rarely does such calm feel so utterly foreboding.
  6. PopMatters
    May 9, 2014
    80
    Hollywood may be fleeting, but Hot Dreams is a filmic record that moves from strength to strength to strength in the most entertaining of ways. This is undoubtedly a true gem.
  7. Mojo
    Apr 23, 2014
    80
    This is a more expansive, rococo production than Callahan's Dream River. [May 2014, p.91]
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  8. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 4, 2014
    80
    A bleak but alluring album.
  9. CMJ
    Apr 4, 2014
    80
    he album is as much seductive as it is creepy, with hollow and haunting sonic gestures that together compose an alternate universe ambience.
  10. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    This Canadian trio dispense a slow, seductive blend of blues and country that skulks in the shadows, whispering sweet nothings before baring its fangs.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    Though there are less standout moments than on previous records, it is a wonderfully cohesive whole that renders brooding menace into graceful songcraft.
  12. AllMusic
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    While Hot Dreams is slightly less immediate than Creep on Creepin' On, its potent cocktail of menace, glamour, and vulnerability is nothing less than transporting.
  13. NOW Magazine
    Mar 27, 2014
    80
    On Hot Dreams he’s wisely pulled back from that horror film soundtrack vibe to let the songs breathe.
  14. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 28, 2014
    70
    With Hot Dreams Timber Timbre have continued to perfect their sound and aesthetic: no matter what influences or styles they are drawing upon, they are still at their most powerful when they're sending mixed messages.
  15. musicOMH.com
    Mar 27, 2014
    70
    Overall, Hot Dreams doesn’t quite match up to the trio’s last record--it lacks a comparable number of top notch songs--but it still has some great moments.
  16. Consequence
    Apr 2, 2014
    67
    These brooding, darkly shaded arrangements run the risk of being kitsch. But when Timber Timbre drop the horror pretense and focus on the neurotic ticks and inadequacies that come with romantic obsession, the band are at their best.
  17. The 405
    Mar 27, 2014
    65
    Hot Dreams isn't perfect, then, but it is different--and genuine experimentation always demands attention.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 3 out of 43
  1. ionlywantedtime
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    It may not make an incredible political or social statement, and it may not be a life changing listen, but god damn if it isn't the mostIt may not make an incredible political or social statement, and it may not be a life changing listen, but god damn if it isn't the most wonderfully nostalgic thing I've heard in the past decade.… Full Review »
  2. clppngfan
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    For as simple and as derivative as this album may seem, there's so much going on here, so much to digest, it's worth so many listens. It'sFor as simple and as derivative as this album may seem, there's so much going on here, so much to digest, it's worth so many listens. It's easily their creepiest, most cohesive and complex work yet.… Full Review »
  3. thebongschlong
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    sexful nostalgiaa everywheerree. melaik. sexvoice sexsaxophone sexinstruments sexprettymucheverything. even sexyful title with sexiyful videoosexful nostalgiaa everywheerree. melaik. sexvoice sexsaxophone sexinstruments sexprettymucheverything. even sexyful title with sexiyful videoo with nsfw.… Full Review »
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