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II
by
II Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

  • Summary: The electronic trio formed by Apparat (aka Sascha Ring) and Modeselektor (Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary) worked in the studio for six months on the follow-up to the group's 2009 self-titled debut.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Resident Advisor
    Aug 2, 2013
    90
    Where Moderat sounded at times tentative and disjointed, II is in every regard a better and more well-rounded record. If there were no third Moderat album, this would stand as a definitive statement.
  2. Under The Radar
    Aug 2, 2013
    85
    Moderat II is nothing if not navel gazing; however, the introspection allows ideas to flow freely, and moreover the diverse styles of the collaborators this time make cosy bedfellows to create a genuinely beautiful, atmospheric record.
  3. XLR8r
    Aug 12, 2013
    80
    II may actually prove itself to be the group's most accomplished record, and one Moderat fans will come back to more often down the line.
  4. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 8, 2013
    75
    Although a little too short for the grand mood it builds for us, it’s a beautiful summation of what Moderat’s visions aim to create.
  5. Magnet
    Aug 16, 2013
    70
    If there's a complaint to be leveled, it's that the off threesome might have smoothed out its differences a little too much. But it mostly works. [No. 101, p.57]
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  6. Exclaim
    Aug 5, 2013
    70
    On II, Moderat have created an evolving piece of art that manages to both reference and reinvent their respective musical blueprints.
  7. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Aug 23, 2013
    40
    The pacing is tentative, the tone one of suppressed pain, and the FX custom-designed to denote ‘meaningfulness’ or emotional sensitivity--all rustic organ sounds and tinkling guitar notes.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Westender
    Aug 8, 2013
    9
    This album is incredible if you happen to understand and enjoy this type of music. To me this is the pinnacle of electronic music and willThis album is incredible if you happen to understand and enjoy this type of music. To me this is the pinnacle of electronic music and will probably be considered my album of the year in all genres. It demands repeated listening.… Collapse
  2. trmdyl
    Jul 20, 2020
    9
    So far, I consider this album their masterpiece. I loved III as a whole but here each track can be considered a strong single and highlySo far, I consider this album their masterpiece. I loved III as a whole but here each track can be considered a strong single and highly emotional while full of energy and upbeat beauty.… Expand
  4. cybr0n
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    Moderat's Grand Opus. Everything just clicks here and you are sucked into an unbelievably melancholic yet upbeat experience the moment you press play.
  5. WadeVS
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    A very likely recommendation for a sunny Saturday afternoon. This is a band who knows what they are doing and regrettably seem overshadowed byA very likely recommendation for a sunny Saturday afternoon. This is a band who knows what they are doing and regrettably seem overshadowed by pastiche bands like Daft Punk. In my opinion Moderat offer something more legitimate than the likes of Daft Punk. A truly underrated gem of an album and band,… Expand