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Modulate Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Indie rock legend Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) returns with his fifth solo album, and first for his brand new record label (Granary Music). In another first, Mould delves into electronica for the first time as well, abandoning traditional instruments for synths and computers on half of the album.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Mojo
    80
    Unfashionable and intensely melodic. [June 2002, p.110]
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Once over the shock of Mould's familiar tones being vocodered beyond recognition, Modulate offers some of his most effective pop songs. [June 2002, p.120]
  3. Mixer
    80
    An engaging, challenging listen. [Apr 2002, p.77]
  4. Modulate finds him bounding around various points on the spectrum to varying degrees of creative success.
  5. Blender
    60
    This is a transitional album: Mould sprinting away from his past. [Apr/May 2002, p.116]
  6. He seems a bit misguided in places, confusing the message and the medium as he enters these uncharted waters.
  7. Modulate has its share of dogs; tepid opener "180 Rain" and cheesy "Quasar" could've been left off here with no net loss. When Mould lets the guitars ring through the layers of keyboards and drum machines, as on the romantic lament "Come on Strong," however, minions will find their faith restored.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 1 out of 1
  1. MattR
    Jul 19, 2005
    3
    Very poor album from a consistently great artist. Maybe should have saved this album as a Loudbomb release although it would have still been Very poor album from a consistently great artist. Maybe should have saved this album as a Loudbomb release although it would have still been very disappointing. Only 1 or 2 tracks on the album have any staying power after you get over the novelty effect of Mould's experimentation with electronica. Mould's electronica release under the psuedonym 'loudbomb' was a much stronger work than Modulate. Do yourself a favor and pass on this one. Collapse