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  • Release Date:
Lay Of The Land Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: This loud but eclectic disc marks the debut for the sextet from Nottingham, England.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 90
    They’re the most unique band since The Van Pelt or At The Drive-In, with vocals comparable to the lyrical finesse of Tim Booth.
  2. Uncut
    80
    [A] promising, flawed debut. [Apr 2004, p.110]
  3. They don't always sound consistent on this debut, occasionally misfiring with underworked material, but overall the strengths overshadow any weaknesses, and when they truly hit their stride they're devastatingly effective.
  4. Whether or not the album really captures the bands reputable live show is utterly debatable, but it’s certainly one to inspire the imagination.
  5. Blender
    70
    Seachange wrap their songs in the glorious dissonance of Sonic Youth and the mighty alt-rock-meets-R&B rhythms of the Afghan Wigs, but underneath it all, they just want to creep you out. [May 2004, p.131]
  6. At times, the intense-yet-underdeveloped feel of Lay of the Land makes it a claustrophobic experience, but its quieter moments, such as "No Questions" and the angular finale "Fog," still throw off sparks while allowing a little more breathing room.
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    A real disappointment. [Apr 2004, p.118]

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. paulj
    Apr 6, 2004
    8
    a few dry spots where all elements do not quite gel, but the high points are well worth a listen.
  2. BrianM
    May 2, 2004
    7
    An interesting album to say the least. There are some strong tracks on here and some duds. But the overall feel is energetic.