In Light
by Givers
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 12, 2011
    90
    In keeping with Givers' multi-dimensional aural assault, it only makes sense that vocals would also come from multiple sources. While drummer Kirby Campbell occasionally lends a hand, it is predominantly Guarisco and Lamson who brilliantly deliver the boy/girl dynamic on show here.
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 9, 2011
    80
    This world music/indie rock mix is countered by the affecting melancholy of their quieter moments. [Nov. 2011, p. 143]
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  3. CMJ
    Jun 14, 2011
    80
    It's a seriously cute band that writes seriously catchy love songs that you will probably seriously enjoy--if you're all right with that ebullience thing.
  5. Alternative Press
    Jun 14, 2011
    80
    Givers have created a debut that will surely set them atop the indie-rock world, if not only for their strict adherence to trying everything possible and succeeding gloriously at it all.
  6. American Songwriter
    Jun 14, 2011
    80
    The music is charismatic and chaotic, full of shouts, clanging and bright guitars--listen to it with your eyes closed and you'll see everything short of sparkling blue stars.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Jun 14, 2011
    79
    So while In Light is unmistakably a 2011 indie album (In addition to the Dirty Projectors influence, there are traces of Vampire Weekend's trendy worldly pop bounce scattered throughout), Givers constantly rise above their reference points because the songs are usually excellent.
  8. Beats Per Minute
    Jul 6, 2011
    78
    Yeah, some of the electronic and percussive flourishes might be a little tired in 2011, but Givers sell it with such wide-eyed abandon and indulgent wonder that it's hard not to give in to the cacophonous stew of bursting pop euphoria.
  9. The Boston Phoenix
    Jun 14, 2011
    75
    In Light is an impressive step forward--it seriously contends for the title of this summer's go-to indie-pop record.
  10. No Ripcord
    Jun 24, 2011
    70
    In Light is commendable for exploring the successful niche Givers have been residing within since their 2009 Givers EP.
  11. BBC Music
    Oct 10, 2011
    60
    This is not music that hangs around in the brain, for reasons that aren't particularly clear.
  12. The Guardian
    Oct 6, 2011
    60
    The formula of cramming 30 different songs into one is fun for a while, and it's invigorating, but ultimately it's hard to shake a sense of over-indulgence.
  13. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 6, 2011
    60
    For the moment, In Light is hamstrung by its creators' raw ambition.
  14. Under The Radar
    Aug 5, 2011
    60
    The debut album from Lafayette, Louisiana's Givers plays with a loose, ebullient spark that sounds borne of considerate friendly jamming. [Jul 2011, p.85]
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  15. Spin
    Jun 14, 2011
    60
    Accordingly, In Light is best absorbed in small portions, allowing you to savor the seriously catchy melodies and uplifting vibes.
  16. AllMusic
    Jun 14, 2011
    60
    In many ways, In Light splits the difference between the peppy pseudo-Afro pop of Vampire Weekend and the percussive, improv-heavy dance rock of Local Natives. That might be a bit of a knock against In Light if it wasn't such an accomplished, ambitious debut.
  17. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 10, 2011
    50
    While their love of premeditated spontaneity might be admirable in jazzier quarters, in reality it means that almost every song on their debut is marred by sudden changes in time signature, key and genre.
  18. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    40
    It's a shame that their modishness acts against them, but sometimes, playing all the right notes in the right order just isn't enough. [Nov 2011, p.92]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. matt__
    Jul 5, 2011
    7
    Not a bad album at all. Its a pleasant listen, and its very appropriate to become a soundtrack for the summer. However, i feel this album justNot a bad album at all. Its a pleasant listen, and its very appropriate to become a soundtrack for the summer. However, i feel this album just doesn't stand among other indie-pop albums that have been recently released. It has its bright spots, but for the most part its average. Up Up Up and Meantime are the two standout tracks and I feel the rest of the album kind of blends together, becoming somewhat forgettable. Its relatively enjoyable though...… Full Review »
  2. chancewellnitz
    Jun 21, 2011
    0
    People can write songs about being happy. There's nothing wrong with that. People can effectively communicate that happiness through they'rePeople can write songs about being happy. There's nothing wrong with that. People can effectively communicate that happiness through they're music, too. But this album is so giddy it's nauseating--the worst album I've heard in 2011 thus far.… Full Review »
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