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II
by
II Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The second release for the psychedelic rock band led by Ruban Nielson was written while on tour.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 5, 2013
    100
    Far-out, fascinating, fantastic--just plain F-ing good.
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 4, 2013
    85
    The trance-like pace of II serves to reinforce the album rather than weaken it.
  3. Filter
    Feb 28, 2013
    82
    The production is minimal, leaving II feeling pure and honest.
  4. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 19, 2013
    75
    [A] frustratingly muted but nevertheless enthralling follow-up.
  5. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2013
    73
    When II is truly on, it's proof that great albums aren't the sole measure of a great band, a subtle advance that puts Unknown Mortal Orchestra right back where they started: something of a mystery, but one that will certainly be interesting going forward.
  6. Consequence
    Feb 8, 2013
    70
    While II doesn’t kick around quite the same as its predecessor, it makes up for that with subtleties.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 22, 2013
    50
    While it still has a few standout moments that grab the listener and spark a mood, it’s only occasionally eventful and, ultimately, doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessor.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. turtleseyes
    Jun 10, 2016
    9
    I got my hands in the vinyl version of this album, and must say it is a delightful record, to be listened from beginning to end andI got my hands in the vinyl version of this album, and must say it is a delightful record, to be listened from beginning to end and repeatedly. It is way better than their debut.… Expand
  2. 2hip2beahipster
    Feb 11, 2013
    8
    This is a good album. A big improvement from their debut for sure. The ideas on this album are more developed and better executed than theyThis is a good album. A big improvement from their debut for sure. The ideas on this album are more developed and better executed than they were on their first release. The album starts off with three gems; "From the Sun" "Swim and Sleep" and "So Good at Being in Trouble" are all great examples of the growth and maturity this band's songwriting has gone through all three songs being examples of great ideas that are executed superbly. The middle of this album, however, does drag. "The Opposite of Afternoon" is a definitely a song that grows on you after a few listen, as is "Monki". The album also ends off strongly with "Faded in the Morning" and "Secret Xtians". Overall I'd say this is a great album, and a step in the right direction for Ruban and the gang. Ruban's songwriting definitely matures here, and boy, let me say, he absolutely shreds on guitar. The production is also perfected as the lo-fi/psych. rock feel is still there but it's a lot smoother and easier to take in right away. This album has just gotten me even more excited about this bands potential and future releases. Overall a pretty good album with a few gems.… Expand

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