House of Sugar
by (Sandy) Alex G
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2019
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 49
  3. Negative: 2 out of 49
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  1. Max_15character
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
    The highs are some of his most catchy and heartfelt songs with the perfect amount of Alex’s unique touch to separate the album from the rest of the “indie” rock genre - the lows are his most tolerable, for the first time really enjoyable, forages into heavy experimental noise tracks. This is a diverse collection of songs that is somehow very cohesive as a unit and makes for one of the bestThe highs are some of his most catchy and heartfelt songs with the perfect amount of Alex’s unique touch to separate the album from the rest of the “indie” rock genre - the lows are his most tolerable, for the first time really enjoyable, forages into heavy experimental noise tracks. This is a diverse collection of songs that is somehow very cohesive as a unit and makes for one of the best albums I’ve heard in a while.… Expand
  2. JulenLuan
    Oct 2, 2019
    10
    Disfrutable desde principio a fin, cada canción está compuesta perfectamente y, como cada álbum de Alex, te transporta a una historia distinta en cada track. El sonido se acerca más a lo melodioso, que como sugiere el título, vuelven al álbum dulce e increíblemente agradable para el oído, aún así incluye un par de experimentaciones, las cuales son bien ejecutadas y no cortan la armonía delDisfrutable desde principio a fin, cada canción está compuesta perfectamente y, como cada álbum de Alex, te transporta a una historia distinta en cada track. El sonido se acerca más a lo melodioso, que como sugiere el título, vuelven al álbum dulce e increíblemente agradable para el oído, aún así incluye un par de experimentaciones, las cuales son bien ejecutadas y no cortan la armonía del álbum. Líricmente magistral, In My Arms es mi nueva canción favorita de Alex.… Expand
  3. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    7
    This felt therapeutic. The openers pessimistic 'hopeless ' hammered in by the dejected "not to day" after the optimistic "i want to walk away from you" that encapsulates addiction to anything you're trying to quit. This record deals with its melancholy with enough levity so that it doesn't feel weighed down. His trademark lofi indie experiments work in places they shouldn't like the oddlyThis felt therapeutic. The openers pessimistic 'hopeless ' hammered in by the dejected "not to day" after the optimistic "i want to walk away from you" that encapsulates addiction to anything you're trying to quit. This record deals with its melancholy with enough levity so that it doesn't feel weighed down. His trademark lofi indie experiments work in places they shouldn't like the oddly abrasive "near". When alex confronts a song he seems to allow them to write themselves as they feel natural and low maintenance(in the best of ways). The almost acoustic quality lends an emotional depth which he outlines with poignant songs such as the grieving "hope" of comforting "southern sky". This isn't too large a departure from "rocket" so much as it is a perfecting. Favourites:southern sky,hope,gretel,bad man… Expand

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Under The Radar
    Sep 25, 2019
    80
    It masters the somber, folk-rock which fills so much of his discography, while aromas of country, Americana, and mild electronica swirl around, breathtakingly so. Whoever said indie-rock had to change in the year 2019 is sadly mistaken—it didn't have to change, only improve. In Giannascoli's hands, I'd say we're safe for the long haul.
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  2. Clash Music
    Sep 24, 2019
    80
    Through turns wholly strange and ambiguous, it’s often unclear where the breadcrumb trail of 'House Of Sugar' is leading us, but it’s a mind-bending trip worth taking nonetheless.
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  3. Consequence
    Sep 23, 2019
    83
    Though House of Sugar can be a difficult record, those who take the time to delve into its layers will be treated to a piece that captures the modern psyche in a way few other pieces of art manage to do.
    Read full review
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