Let the Dancers Inherit the Party
by British Sea Power
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Exclaim
    Mar 29, 2017
    90
    Much loved indie group British Sea Power have returned with a collection of songs that showcase the strongest elements of their music, giving listeners space for contemplation while also bringing a healthy dose of high-energy rock. Exquisitely crafted.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 28, 2017
    80
    This album incorporates nearly all of the many facets that make British Sea Power memorable, and it's their strongest overall effort since Do You Like Rock Music? in 2008.
  3. The Quietus
    Apr 13, 2017
    80
    Keenly political, anti-fascist, and pro-immigrant, British Sea Power mine the past to give us what we need now.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 3, 2017
    80
    This record is the group’s leanest to date. There’s no filler. It’s instant hit after instant hit after instant hit.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Mar 31, 2017
    80
    Ending with the sprawling ‘Alone Piano’, the record catapults to spheres beyond. Standing open-armed and resolute for whatever might follow, Let The Dancers Inherit The Earth is an echoing cry for a bright tomorrow.
  7. The Guardian
    Mar 30, 2017
    80
    There’s real vim in these tunes--their most direct in years--and they dart along with the emotional vigour of vintage James or Echo and the Bunnymen. Sharp songwriting combines with an elemental, eerie production.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Mar 30, 2017
    80
    A record that marks a wholly welcome return to form.
  9. Q Magazine
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    Familiar BSP influences such as New order, Talk Talk and Bunnymen are present and it's shot through with a Telstar optimism, ensuring that the afterglow is defiantly positive. [May 2017, p.100]
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  10. Mojo
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    With an occasional propensity for mindless wigouts slightly curbed, it's windswept anthems a-go-go on their best album for years. [May 2017, p.96]
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  11. Paste Magazine
    Mar 30, 2017
    75
    More weirdness would’ve given the album some welcome variety, though likely at the expense of potency. Given the facts on the ground, that’s a tradeoff our heroes just weren’t willing to make.
  12. Pitchfork
    Apr 3, 2017
    73
    As if to stabilize its weighty subject matter, Let the Dancers Inherit the Party is a remarkably steady album, at times to a fault.
  13. Magnet
    Apr 26, 2017
    70
    Let The Dancers Inherit The Party is slickly produced, dramatic and cohesive but still has the drawback of sounding derivative and overly familiar. [No. 141, p.55]
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  14. PopMatters
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    Dancers is the product of skilled technicians but feels emotionally remote.
  15. Under The Radar
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    Although not quite as ethereal as some of James' later work or as artful as U2's best Eno-influenced experimental rock, Let the Dancers Inherit the Party shows that British Sea Power certainly have that potential.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. alxmsn
    Jul 20, 2020
    9
    British Sea Power is one of the most underrated rock bands out there. I remember I was at university when I randomly bought their debut albumBritish Sea Power is one of the most underrated rock bands out there. I remember I was at university when I randomly bought their debut album back in 2003. Although it wasn't the best album ever, they offered a new fresh and interesting sound.

    They have, throughout their career, remained authentic and true to themselves, unlike other bands who were equally as, if not more promising than them, such as Coldplay, Muse and Bloc Party. They never became truly commercial, but that doesn't mean that their music or songwriting never evolved.

    They are truly a great band, and every time I think they may be finished, they come out with something new and brilliant.

    If you like Joy Division and the Pixies, you will surely love this band.    … Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    When the opening notes of the album subside and "Bad Bohemian" kicks off, you could be listening to any of British Sea Power's standardWhen the opening notes of the album subside and "Bad Bohemian" kicks off, you could be listening to any of British Sea Power's standard albums. 15 years or so after their debut the band still carry a majesty to their sound when at their best. As the album progresses with it's usual ups and downs, "Let the Dancers Inherit the Party" is unmistakably British Sea Power. I'm not sure if the quality of the material warrants 48 minutes or so. A trimmed version down to 40 mins would have improved the listening experience. There probably is 40 minutes worth of really good stuff here but hell what do I know. Fans will enjoy it, casual listeners will like it and it won't win any new fans but its doubtful the group really care about this anymore.… Full Review »
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