• Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Sep 3, 2013
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Aug 30, 2013
    80
    Though the party is dialed back and more restrained than on previous efforts, it's no less wild and maybe even more enjoyable as a result.
  2. Sep 4, 2013
    68
    Its fusion of Brian Jones-era Rolling Stones paisley pop and Spectorian pomp pushes Khan and the Shrines beyond their usual JBs jones, but the album’s title speaks to a burgeoning social consciousness.
  3. Sep 4, 2013
    60
    He’s still staking out the same corner on his latest album, Idle No More.
  4. Uncut
    Aug 30, 2013
    70
    Nothing here is exactly restrained, but KK&TS seem to have realised that the slower burn can be just as effective as the full blaze. [Oct 2013, p.70]
  5. Q Magazine
    Oct 16, 2013
    60
    It might lack originality, but its freewheeling spirit will definitely keep you listening. [Nov 2013, p.109]
  6. He’s still twisted, but Khan’s genius has never been more obvious.
  7. Under The Radar
    Aug 30, 2013
    60
    If Idle No More doesn't necessarily sound like the product of manic intensity and dripping sweat, there's no questioning the spirit at the heart of this solid, memorable set. [Aug-Sep 2013, p.91]
  8. Aug 30, 2013
    80
    Though Khan has grown with the responsibilities of adulthood, he has obviously retained the ability to produce fun, high energy tunes with ease.
  9. Sep 3, 2013
    83
    Idle No More is as much of a party as anything The Shrines have released. But it’s one that anticipates, and morbidly worships, the hangover that’s about to come.
  10. Sep 3, 2013
    65
    It’s far from terrible, but it’s equidistant from that and “worth a dozen more spins.”
  11. 85
    Idle No More is inspiring on many levels, but mostly because it beckons us to dance passionately and live fully in the wake of ever present darkness.
  12. Sep 4, 2013
    70
    In addition to being a contender for garage-rock album of the year hook for hook, chord progression for chord progression, there are lots of strong personal touches here.
  13. Sep 3, 2013
    70
    Khan's state of the world message might be slightly obscured, but there's an obvious feeling of hope and refreshing lack of restraint on this hugely enjoyable return.
  14. Aug 30, 2013
    80
    It’s a more introspective, political and mature sound, but no less fun.
  15. Magnet
    Sep 19, 2013
    75
    There's plenty of upbeat rockers, but a bulk of the record is made up of ballads and slower jams. [No. 102, p.57]
  16. Oct 4, 2013
    80
    Idle No More is evidence that this band is serious (sometimes) and it's in it for the long haul.
  17. Nov 7, 2013
    67
    Idle No More, titled for an indigenous rights movement, is both darker and more refined than any Shrines release to date.
  18. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2013
    70
    This overdue follow up to debut What Is? proves that years of touring a live show described as an "aural orgasm" hasn't blunted their sense of humour. [Sep 2013, p.92]
  19. Sep 3, 2013
    80
    King Khan is, so far, pursuing a sound that is more huge than slick, and it sounds great.
  20. Sep 5, 2013
    70
    Maybe Khan is excessive in the thought process of his message regarding the world; maybe he is in fact understating the necessity of awareness to the problems our world faces; maybe it’s somewhere in the middle. Regardless, all of us could use a little bit of the soul the King Khan And The Shrines is willing to share on the record.
  21. 80
    Khan's most profound release to date.

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