In Conflict
by Owen Pallett
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 27, 2014
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. Thatmusicguy
    May 27, 2014
    9
    In conflict has everything I anticipated for: a pizzicato here, soul-sucking melody there (with Pallett's definitive croon as always), great lyrics with plenty of emotion, and a beautiful production overall. There is also a great flow to album where Owen's passionate themes eventually lead to a freakishly catchy conclusion on 'Infernal Fantasy' where the marvelous percussion and Eno'sIn conflict has everything I anticipated for: a pizzicato here, soul-sucking melody there (with Pallett's definitive croon as always), great lyrics with plenty of emotion, and a beautiful production overall. There is also a great flow to album where Owen's passionate themes eventually lead to a freakishly catchy conclusion on 'Infernal Fantasy' where the marvelous percussion and Eno's steady backing vocals play out. It may not be what I expected after Heartland but this time Owen has decided to cut back on the wildly fictional (but mesmerizing) stories and has focused on something truly deep and meaningful.… Expand
  2. adhamhany
    Aug 8, 2014
    9
    Totally mesmerizing. I could hardly do anything else but listen to this beautiful music. Rich, layered, powerful, and ultimately captivating. The lyrics are also great; but to me, the music is the true star.

    Sure, there are songs that didn't reach the level of others. It's not perfect, but very close to being one. The tracks to look out for are: I Am Not Afraid, the title track, Song    Totally mesmerizing. I could hardly do anything else but listen to this beautiful music. Rich, layered, powerful, and ultimately captivating. The lyrics are also great; but to me, the music is the true star.

    Sure, there are songs that didn't reach the level of others. It's not perfect, but very close to being one. The tracks to look out for are: I Am Not Afraid, the title track, Song For Five and Six, The Sky Behind The Flag, The Riverbed, Soldier's Rock, and "→, Part 2" (instrumental).    … Expand
  3. vicyamusicgreat
    May 30, 2014
    9
    Although there appears to be naught as much to elicit that locomotive elevating feeling on this album as is Lewis Takes Off His Shirt and Tryst with Mephistopheles (tryst possessing here its nonsexual connotation and denotation) from the grand and triumphant Heartland, this is indeed another success for perceptive, musical Owen and all those of us with the luck to give him a listen-to.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The Guardian
    Dec 18, 2014
    80
    In Conflict hits a perfect art/pop balance.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Jul 24, 2014
    60
    A little loosening up might help those serotonin levels. [Jul 2014, p.96]
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 23, 2014
    60
    In Conflict is either one of those records which invite thoughtful criticism, with the repeated phrasings and imagery occurring throughout the record (not to mention the swooningly lush orchestrations) suggesting vast rabbit warrens in Pallett’s psyche worth considering, or render it entirely pointless, given that it seems set on creating something immaculate, and then mercilessly deconstructing its creator.
    Read full review
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