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- By date
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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.
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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.
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Uncut[A] promising, flawed debut. [Apr 2004, p.110]
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Alternative PressString arrangements--plus frontman Dan Eastop's expressive vocals--save songs like "SF" from falling into rehash hell. [Jul 2004, p.146]
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As ordered as it is wild, as gorgeous as it is gruesome, Lay of the Land is indeed a ballsy record.
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The band's energy, intensity, and dynamism, as well as a collection of distinct songs, still do not prevent the record from sounding subdued and monochromatic.
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BlenderSeachange 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]
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Whether or not the album really captures the bands reputable live show is utterly debatable, but it’s certainly one to inspire the imagination.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 3 out of 3
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Mixed: 0 out of 3
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Negative: 0 out of 3
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BrianMMay 2, 2004An interesting album to say the least. There are some strong tracks on here and some duds. But the overall feel is energetic.
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pauljApr 6, 2004a few dry spots where all elements do not quite gel, but the high points are well worth a listen.