In the Belly of the Brazen Bull
by The Cribs
  • Record Label: Wichita
  • Release Date: May 15, 2012
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    The group's fourth album confirms that their default setting is a bit four-square nuts-and-bolts punk pop. [Jun 2012, p.92]
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  2. The Guardian
    May 3, 2012
    60
    It's all a little too faithful to its template [90's lo-fi slacker rock] to be truly arresting.
  3. Clash Music
    May 8, 2012
    50
    It all feels a little weary and, whilst there's clear commitment and execution, the material suddenly sounds oh so dated.
  5. Alternative Press
    May 2, 2012
    40
    Bull drags on with minimal memorable hooks and far too much guitar feedback. [Jun 2012, p.76]
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  6. NOW Magazine
    May 17, 2012
    60
    Brazen Bull is a cohesive, if lengthy, album that offers only occasional audio reminders of who was behind the board.
  7. No Ripcord
    May 23, 2012
    60
    Although this may not be a masterpiece in the repertoire, I can't say that it lacks anything in particular, in fact, the opposite is true. It gives too much. There just became a point where I needed to avert my attention away from the heart-ache.
  8. The Quietus
    May 11, 2012
    60
    While in a way this record sums up everything the Cribs are about, it fails to foreground their most exciting aspects.
  9. The Boston Phoenix
    May 2, 2012
    50
    Although the Cribs are very good at what they do, the songwriting on the album just feels tired and unfocused.
  10. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    May 7, 2012
    40
    Everything's turned up to 11 but content is absolute zero. If the Cribs were any more landfill, they'd have seagulls following them around.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. gorillaamp
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    By far the bands most advanced, yet still immediate, album. Like a more progressive 'Pinkerton', or a more tuneful 'In Utero', this albumBy far the bands most advanced, yet still immediate, album. Like a more progressive 'Pinkerton', or a more tuneful 'In Utero', this album expands on everything that makes The Cribs one of the best of their generation.… Full Review »
  2. daveeddaveed
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    killer. just killer. Here the brothers jarman prove that the don't, and never did, need Johnny Marr. A significant progression on thekiller. just killer. Here the brothers jarman prove that the don't, and never did, need Johnny Marr. A significant progression on the admittedly fantastic Ignore The Ignorant.… Full Review »
  3. ghostlight2
    Jun 6, 2013
    0
    Dull, meaningless 3-chord rubbish. Only way to describe this album, truly awful. How much are they paying NME to keep promoting them? TheyDull, meaningless 3-chord rubbish. Only way to describe this album, truly awful. How much are they paying NME to keep promoting them? They only have one memorable song, 2007's Men's Needs, anyone who says different is delusional.… Full Review »
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