Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Despite its scant 35-minute duration, Meek Warrior distills the entire history of experimental pop. Just as impressively, it finally bottles the frantic eclecticism and The Gods Must Be Crazy absurdity of the Family’s live show.
  2. Every song has a unique feel, every song sounds meaningful, and every song is absolutely worth hearing.
  3. It's filled with sophisticated yet welcoming changes in texture, dynamic, and form/genre that seem effortless, not forced or idiosyncratic for its own sake.
  4. They entwine eastern canticles and fuzzy finger picking and electronic trickery like no other.
  5. Meek Warrior’s seven tracks form a sprawling tapestry where every guitar pluck, clarinet wail or joyous shout seems part of some euphoric cosmic plan.
  6. Under The Radar
    80
    This is a special band. [#15]
  7. Mojo
    80
    A feverish set that borders on near-delirium. [Nov 2006, p.100]
  8. Close listening is rewarding--the boys have a knack for crafting intricate songs that lean heavily on texture and subtle interplay--but perhaps a bit too gentle.
  9. The Akrons' striking group harmonies are at a greater premium here than before, but the grainy, more intimate production retains a sense of communal participation.
  10. While the rawk portion of Meek Warrior... is a bit of a letdown, Akron/Family hasn't lost its knack for making pretty with the acoustics.
  11. The problem, then, is that “Blessing Force” sucks and most of the rest of the songs imitate with varying success the music of the band’s staggering 2005 output.
  12. Each track feels more like a costume change than a true exploration of new waters, as the group's newfound love of blustery free-for-all psych ultimately has more to do with the members' broad record collections than their ability to function as versatile musicians.
  13. There's still a welcome sense of spontaneity in the way the songs unfold; it just occurs at a Sunday-morning pace, which should make Meek Warrior the perfect soundtrack for watering houseplants.
  14. For a record bristling with ideas and extraterrestrial fervour the overall result is a little confused.
  15. Spin
    50
    It never quite captures the other-worldliness that it clearly seeks. [Nov 2006, p.96]
  16. Uncut
    40
    Amid snatches of skewed beauty, it seems Akron/Family have lost a sense of who they really are. [Dec 2006, p.101]
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. iand
    Mar 24, 2007
    8
    I say 8, but I mean "just a hair below 9" This album is pretty and happy and good. I haven't heard their other stuff, or this I say 8, but I mean "just a hair below 9" This album is pretty and happy and good. I haven't heard their other stuff, or this Abgel's of Light stuff, but if it's anything like this I;ll buy it and like it. Full Review »
  2. RickyS
    Oct 27, 2006
    2
    SOOOOOOOOOO DISSAPOINTING! I ADORED their last album. Truly. I saw them in concert and met all of them and they were great and really cool SOOOOOOOOOO DISSAPOINTING! I ADORED their last album. Truly. I saw them in concert and met all of them and they were great and really cool guys actually. Thats why I'm so dissapointed. The last album was amazing, this one sucks. Its just noise rock. More freak folky. I miss the beauty of the last albums. Where are songs like "Shoes," "Afford," "How Do I Know," "Before and Again," and "Italy." I miss them. Truly Full Review »
  3. LouiseH
    Oct 15, 2006
    9
    Once again Akron/Family reaches across the threshold and bring us along to show us new and amazing fields of joy. Lovely