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In Prism
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In Prism Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: The first studio album for the rock band in more than 12 years was produced by Brian Paulson.

Top Track

Beggar's Bowl
Everybody got a right to go Day tripping at a quarter to noon The bus stops on the mountaintop And the villagers are playing a traditional... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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.
  4. Filter
    74
    Polvo hasn't failed to enrapture like the old school on this comeback release. [Fall 2009, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. AllMusic
    70
    Even if it's not their best ever, it's a valid comeback that should appease longing fans.
  6. 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.
  7. Under The Radar
    60
    It's a sprawling, psychedelic masterwork, rife with knotty tangles of discordance and serpentine riffs.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 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.
  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.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand