I Am Gemini - Cursive
I Am Gemini Image
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Matt Bayles produced the concept album for the rock band led by Tim Kasher, about two twins, one evil and the other good, who are separated at birth and reunited.
  • Record Label: Saddle Creek Records
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. Exclaim
    Mar 6, 2012
    80
    Cursive have delivered a highly stylized album with a vivid conceptual storyline that keeps old fans listening while giving new listeners a chance to experience the progression the band have experienced over the last decade.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    Feb 29, 2012
    80
    On the whole, it's a winner, and you can take the singles and run with them--the play be damned.
  3. Q Magazine
    Mar 14, 2012
    60
    Powerful, atmospheric, but not for the fainthearted. [April 2012, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. cokemachineglow
    Mar 29, 2012
    35
    Gemini is an effort so manic and unfocused that it barely coheres enough around it's stilted little center to be called an album.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. mcbunk
    9
    As a longtime fan of Cursive, I am more than satisfied with this record. I have noticed some critics have bashed the concept of this record, but concepts have never really been what sucks me into this band's records, rather it is the music, style, and hook of it. This record is tight and overcomes some of the setbacks that their previous record, Mama I'm Swollen, and ventures into a more aggressive style that I've not heard from Cursive since Domestica, which I love. Songs that stand out for me are "Warmer, Warmer", "Sun and Moon", "Gemini", and the last minute or two of "Eulogy for No Name" rock my brain. But "Twin Dragon/Hello Skeleton" stands out as the best Cursive tune I've heard since "The Martyr". This song has such a cool groove to it, a great beat, interesting guitars, quirky keyboard parts, and awesome vocal hooks. The second I heard it, I was sold on this record. The mixing of the record is also very well done. Most records these days are over produced and have lost any sense of dynamic. Having twelve separate guitar tracks blasting the same riff is not what I call interesting. Whereas with this record, more often than not you hear one or two tracks playing, with an extra one or two guitars added in the choruses, giving it the stomp box effect. The drums are superbly mixed with the bass and Tim Kasher's vocals are not over powering to the detriment of the rest of the record, making I am Gemini a truly enjoyable listen.

    In the end, this is a welcome addition to Cursive's repertoire. I look forward to hearing these songs live.    … Expand
  2. mtmatejcek
    8
    This is a very solid release by a very intelligent band. While the album lacks enough hooks to give it any decent radio play, it rewards multiple listens and those who commit to the concept of the album (especially fans of strong verses and witty lyrics). Lots of one-liners that can get crammed in your brain ("Kill the demon, kill the doppelganger!"). I feel like this album is a suspense novel over slashing guitars. High points are songs like "Gemini," "Warmer, Warmer," "The Cat and Mouse," and the albums epic closer, "Eulogy for No Name."… Expand

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