Icky Mettle [Deluxe Edition] - Archers of Loaf
Icky Mettle [Deluxe Edition] Image
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The 1993 debut album for the North Carolina indie rock band, which had ended in 1998, is rereleased just as the band returns for a reunion tour.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 10, 2011
    100
    The reissue of their 1993 debut rescues a bevy of lost single, further cementing Icky;s status as a holy grail of lovely, rumpled passion. [5 Aug 2011, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The Guardian
    Dec 22, 2011
    100
    Brimming with character and endlessly relistenable, Icky Mettle is something of a touchstone for one of US indie's purplest patches.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    Aug 9, 2011
    100
    When listening to Icky Mettle, you feel included, like they're the crew you've known your entire life. The fact that it's both very relevant today and a thrilling snapshot of the restlessly creative 90's underground is no small achievement.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 14, 2011
    80
    Overall it's about as perfect as introduction to the band as you're likely to get, and perhaps a timely chance to give the Archers an opportunity to climb back into the upper echelons of your record collection.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. vbprog
    10
    I came to this site recently looking for some new music to sink into. I found it here. Yes - older band but new to me. Raw, meaty music. This represents the Chapel Hill Inde music scene of the early to mid 90s.

    Fractured song construction, witty lyrics, clangorous guitars, lo-fi production. Everything you love about Indie bands.    … Expand
  2. Teaspoon
    10
    You can't get more raw or brash than Icky Mettle. Untrained ears may cringe at the crunchy, screeching guitars and slightly sour vocals, but indie rock fans will assure you that this album is perfect. It has everything you could ever want from an indie record: layered guitar sounds, crude vocals, an over-abundance of energy, and generally a lack of production or value for money. When you discover that the whole album was made over the course of about a week and - according to lead singer Eric Bachmann - only cost around $5,000 to make, you'll probably think that Icky Mettle will just be a waste of your time and cash -- that is, until you listen to it.… Expand
  3. j30
    10
    Great album. I had no idea these guys existed since I read some of the reviews on this website. Early 90's Indie-rock doesn't get much better than this. If you like Weezer's Blue Album and Pavement's Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain you'll instantly fall in love with this album. From the opening track (Web In Front) I was surprised I had never heard them before.… Expand
  4. nick452
    5
    I listened to this a few hours ago, and not one song sticks in my memory. It's a forgettable release. All the songs sound the same, for the most part.… Expand

See all 5 User Reviews

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