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. 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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  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  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. 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.

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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