Matador
by Gaz Coombes
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    100
    An instinctive and honest sublimation of a state of mind, full of intriguing revelations but leaving enough questions unanswered to keep you ever seeking more in its grooves. [Feb 2015, p.88]
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jan 21, 2015
    90
    Not only is the music a step forward, the songs are too--and Coombes revels in their delivery.
  3. The Quietus
    Jan 30, 2015
    80
    This is a bold confessional and one made all the stronger by music that's creative and daring without ever once straying into disco dad territory.
  5. AllMusic
    Jan 26, 2015
    80
    Matador may initially seduce with its slow, enveloping assurance but the reason it lasts are those songs, as exquisitely crafted and enduring as anything in Coombes' rich catalog.
  6. The Guardian
    Jan 22, 2015
    80
    Coombes’s voice has always been a powerful pop instrument, thrillingly on the edge of hysteria. On Matador, it’s also a howl of pain.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 22, 2015
    80
    Matador is a precise work of outstanding talent. While it may recycle the emotive wild card a little too often for some, any keen ear will be able to tell you this isn't some half baked solo project.
  8. DIY Magazine
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    The jaunty, energetic hints of Britpop cast aside, this is Gaz Coombes the adult man, writing adult songs, and they’re really rather great.
  9. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    Matador is a great record, the sound of an artist following his own singular path--an artist who becomes more interesting with each release.
  10. Q Magazine
    Jan 8, 2015
    80
    Made up of Coombes's most beautiful compositions yet. [Feb 2015, p.116]
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  11. Clash Music
    Jan 8, 2015
    70
    The anthems are still here, rest assured; they’re less obvious, but definitely no less compelling.
  12. Uncut
    Jan 8, 2015
    70
    For all the haunting, dislocated atmospheres here, Coombes still has an ear for melodies. [Feb 2015, p.75]
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  13. Pitchfork
    Jan 29, 2015
    63
    Instead of following his darker impulses or fantastically out-there indulgences, Coombes plays it safe.
  14. Record Collector
    Jan 8, 2015
    60
    It’s a solid, sturdy listen, with flourishes of electronics that bring sparkle, but much less of the pop sheen that was evident on Here Come The Bombs.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Hackskeptic
    May 28, 2015
    7
    Of course, it’s a world away from the frenetic and frivolous Supergrass sound, but as Coombes matures into a serious rock wordsmith heOf course, it’s a world away from the frenetic and frivolous Supergrass sound, but as Coombes matures into a serious rock wordsmith he perfectly displays the personal highs and lows, the strengths and weaknesses of simply being…Gaz Coombes. A worthy investment.… Full Review »
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