Louden Up Now - !!! [Chik Chik Chik]
Louden Up Now Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second full-length for the dance-oriented Sacramento/New York seven-piece (down from eight), who share several members with the band Out Hud.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. One of the most assured, unashamedly danceable albums that we’ve heard for quite a while.
  2. What's so exhilarating about this record, despite all its precise playing, is the casual way in which it shifts rhythmically, never seeming to follow a specific course, yet never losing its way. [#7]
  3. Old loves Liquid Liquid, ESG and A Certain Ratio haven’t been abandoned and their percussionist still works overtime, but the spirits of Prince, Kraftwerk (both on the wryly self-referential "Dear Can"), Chic and even ABC (on the politicised "Shit Scheisse Merde Pt 1") make cameo appearances.
  4. They write some good tunes, and they have some appropriately strident abuse for lyrics. But there’s not enough for an album.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. inesc
    10
    if this is even possible, they're even better live.
  2. HairPulley
    10
    !!! delivered "Louden Up Now", and it is certainly a great listen. The bass lines flow like milk and the vocals are softened, overpowered by the funk-punk that surrounds it. "Shit Sheisse Merde Pts. 1 & 2" and "Me and Guiliani..." serve great dance operations. Impress yourself with your listen of !!!. Expand
  3. 8
    absolutely great!
  4. MichaelK
    7
    Nothing could live up to last year's single, Me And Giuliani Down By The School Yard. And, sure enough, none of the material on this album reaches those stellar heights of groove and layers and sonic build. But there are still some great arrangements and tight grooves. Then again, some sections fall a little bit flat. Their eponymous debut seemed longer on ideas, but the angular melodies weren't as fun as the cool summer grooves on Louden Up Now. Good, but not great. Expand

See all 17 User Reviews