Making a Door Less Open
by Car Seat Headrest
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: May 1, 2020
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. musicOMH.com
    May 5, 2020
    60
    This is a mixed bag, and is – unfortunately – a bit of a momentum killer.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    May 4, 2020
    60
    The new styles don’t all gel.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 1, 2020
    60
    Seven-minute mantra There Must Be More Than Blood is the standout, where Toledo’s vocals are absorbed into a motorik groove, his quest for meaning somehow dissolving into an act of musical surrender. Not all the songs reach these heights, however; too many run out of ideas very quickly. But at their very best, Car Seat Headrest are reminiscent of such fantastic bands as The The, LCD Soundsystem and Talking Heads.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Apr 30, 2020
    60
    Making a Door Less Open isn’t as memorable as its predecessors on its own: Toledo’s vision as a whole never feels truly fleshed out, representing the first legitimate misfire in the career of one of this generation’s most talented indie-rock songwriters.
  6. The Guardian
    Apr 30, 2020
    60
    Neither balls-out, show-me-the-money capitulation to market forces, nor boldly experimental enough to count as a disruption to a mainstream form; neither disaster nor triumph. There’s something scattered and awkward about its grafting together of ideas that don’t gel; the sound of a band who have outgrown their initial incarnation but aren’t quite sure what they want now.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 51
  3. Negative: 2 out of 51
  1. calebwchurchill
    May 1, 2020
    9
    A divisive record that takes a LOT of risks that ultimately pay off. Car Seat Headrest feels more than ever like a band, and less like a soloA divisive record that takes a LOT of risks that ultimately pay off. Car Seat Headrest feels more than ever like a band, and less like a solo project with a band name.… Full Review »
  2. gobitoe
    May 1, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. While it won't appeal the "older" fans that were there before they signed to Matador, I think it's a great effort in showing that once more they're not just "another indie band". I think where the album lacks the most is how the tracks fail to keep the same atmosphere through the whole record, forcing you to adapt your ears every song never knowing what's next.… Full Review »
  3. thighderman
    May 1, 2020
    10
    Absolutely wonderful, exactly what I was hoping for these past 4 years since the bands last album written together.
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