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Making a New World
by
Making a New World Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

  • Summary: The effects of World War I is the theme for the 19-song cycle that originated as a project for the Imperial War Museum from the British rock band.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Quietus
    Jan 21, 2020
    80
    It’s a spun-out, pastoral journey that attempts to unbox and contextualise the ‘now’ within the history of twentieth century Britain, after the end of the First World War. And yes, be warned, it only folds out to reveal itself at a careful walking pace. So you’ll need to buy in and have patience to get rewarded by its – real and significant – qualities.
  2. The Guardian
    Jan 10, 2020
    80
    Songs segue into each other as war is considered from unusual angles.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Jan 13, 2020
    80
    Despite these occasional moments of divergence and experimentation, fans will be pleased to hear that the album is still peppered with quintessential Field Music bangers.
  4. PopMatters
    Jan 9, 2020
    70
    In other words, cramming so many short observations into roughly two-thirds of an hour does a disservice to their potential. On the other hand, that quick pace gives the album a level of intrigue, momentum, and unity it wouldn't have otherwise. In any case, it's a wonderfully appealing, daring, and intellectual accomplishment that should please anyone looking for notably challenging and smart pop/rock.
  5. Under The Radar
    Feb 12, 2020
    70
    The central lyrical concept of the album does fall a bit flat, and the message of the album as a whole comes off muddled. However, the talent shown in these songs is undeniable and Field Music should be commended for aiming so high. Even if the band is slightly off the mark, Making a New World is still a thoughtfully crafted album with an unconventional art-rock style.
  6. Exclaim
    Jan 13, 2020
    60
    Where it stumbles as a concept record, it only sometimes succeeds as an art-rock record. As it turns out, an important idea does not an important album make.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 8, 2020
    40
    Unfortunately, as a musical portrayal of the long-lasting echoes of WWI, its ideas are far more interesting than their execution.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Spoonyon
    Feb 9, 2020
    6
    A very strange listen. Fascinating concept and lots of cool musical ideas here and there but there's so much nondescript excess here thatA very strange listen. Fascinating concept and lots of cool musical ideas here and there but there's so much nondescript excess here that weighs down the album as a whole. Instead of meandering aimlessly on 19 tracks where only 2 of them break the 4 minute mark why not condense the track list to it's most polished and conceptual songs.… Expand

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