In Prism
by Polvo
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Sep 8, 2009
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Even if it's not their best ever, it's a valid comeback that should appease longing fans.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    70
    So while In Prism at least sounds like a Polvo record, it’s not until the second half, starting with the eight-minute opus “Lucia,” where it actually begins to feel like a Polvo record.
  3. Pitchfork
    81
    In Prism ultimately sets a new standard for them: don't just make it sound like you never left, but rather make the past seem like a mere warm-up for what's to come.
  5. Spin
    70
    This reunion packs no shortage of vintage wank--knotty, largely instrumental songs that surge together and drift apart with a proggy, loose-limbed precision.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    70
    The important thing to note when it comes to In Prism is that as hiatus records go this is one of the best in the last couple years.
  7. The A.V. Club
    83
    Sporting geometrically interlocked riffs and solos that feel simultaneously epic and oblique, the disc harnesses post-punk cool as well as classic-rock heroism.
  8. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    More than just a slack reunion, the album marks another turning point in a band who may yet wind up describing a circle.
  9. PopMatters
    80
    The whole disc sounds familiar, like a logical next step for the band, albeit a decade-plus later. But it also feels fresh in every moment.
  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    In Prism’s genius is to service the newbies and true believers in equal measure.
  11. Under The Radar
    60
    It's a sprawling, psychedelic masterwork, rife with knotty tangles of discordance and serpentine riffs.
  12. Prefix Magazine
    75
    It’s the sound of Polvo insistently reminding listeners that they brought hot fire in 1993, and they can still bring it as good as ever in 2009.
  13. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Polvo have returned stronger and more single-minded. Regardless of whether you were around the first time, you should get in on this right now.
  14. Boston Globe
    70
    A couple of the meandering instrumentals fade into the woodwork, but in general In Prism proves a formidable (if long-overdue) return to the studio.
  15. Filter
    74
    Polvo hasn't failed to enrapture like the old school on this comeback release. [Fall 2009, p.95]
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User Reviews

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User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 4 out of 11
  1. OskarP.
    Sep 14, 2009
    9
    One of their best, ranks easily along with Today's Active Lifestyles and Exploded Drawing. Lots of influence from their 2-3 One of their best, ranks easily along with Today's Active Lifestyles and Exploded Drawing. Lots of influence from their 2-3 members' side project Black Taj, from the last 3 years.… Full Review »
  2. eastside
    Sep 10, 2009
    9
    This album smokes. Inventive guitar playing and great drums. It is amazing that 12 years has passed since their last release. Polvo This album smokes. Inventive guitar playing and great drums. It is amazing that 12 years has passed since their last release. Polvo hasn't missed a beat and I hope this album earns them a whole new legion of fans. "Beggar's Bowl" is a super track. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. DavidR.
    Sep 10, 2009
    9
    This is an awesome return from one of the most cruelly underrated bands from the 90's. Thundering and Beautiful.
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