Monomania
by Deerhunter
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: May 7, 2013
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    Monomania retains those same Deerhunter kernels if you’re willing to forage. You might get your fingers grubby, but the fruit, often deep inside the shell, is still delicious.
  2. The Guardian
    May 9, 2013
    60
    It's hard not to yearn for the melodies to be served by a little more clarity.
  3. The Fly (UK)
    May 8, 2013
    60
    The raspy sonics can’t mask some of their most shrug-worthy songs to date.
  5. Clash Music
    Apr 29, 2013
    60
    As unconventional in approach as ever, the set extrapolates from their previous ventures and results in a confident and competent continuation of established qualities.
  6. Slant Magazine
    May 3, 2013
    50
    Whereas both Deerhunter and Atlas Sound albums typically reflect the obsessive brilliance and meticulous pathos of Cox's personality, there's few signs of either on Monomania, which is in dire need of a little less impulse and a bit more OCD.
  7. The Quietus
    May 1, 2013
    50
    Most of the album sounds like a kaleidoscope of every “indie” rock archetype, to the point that, whilst it's never debatable that Monomania is a Deerhunter record, you still find yourself thinking of Silversun Pickups, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips or Arcade Fire, not necessarily with positive comparisons in mind.

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 56
  3. Negative: 1 out of 56
  1. Blurbtwndalines
    May 7, 2013
    10
    Ditching the ethereal shoe-gaze pop of 2010's excellent Halcyon Digest, Deerhunter opt instead for a chaotic, raunchy, and maximizedDitching the ethereal shoe-gaze pop of 2010's excellent Halcyon Digest, Deerhunter opt instead for a chaotic, raunchy, and maximized interpretation of a rock record, done in Deerhunter's penchant for the bizarre. The influences span from glam rock T-Rex riffing on Leather Jacket II to Americana Johnny Cash on Pensacola. Locket Pundt, the auxiliary song-writer, is rendered to a solely supporting musician, except on the excellent track "the missing." This is Bradford Cox's album, and it is fantastic. I can't think of a more compelling, difficult, and exciting direction Deerhunter could take, and now they are taking rock and roll forward with them. Hopefully more fantastic music like this is on the way.… Full Review »
  2. Recomedia
    May 10, 2013
    8
    If Monomania is the first Deerhunter album that you pick up, you will have a totally different idea of what the band is than if you are aIf Monomania is the first Deerhunter album that you pick up, you will have a totally different idea of what the band is than if you are a returning fan. Maybe that’s why I am not high on this album like I feel I should be. The follow up to the 2010 classic, Halcyon Digest is an almost total departure from the sound that I so enjoyed on that release. There were jangling guitars, moody instrumentals, and a knack for great melodies. Monomania is essentially a garage rock album that ditches a lot of the aspects that worked on Digest. There is a much heavier emphasis on guitars and Bradford Cox’s vocal style has changed a little bit into a kind of sneering delivery. As someone that loved Halcyon Digest, I came into this album with very high expectations and they just weren’t met.

    Read more at: http://www.recomedia.net/music/deerhunter-monomania/    … Full Review »
  3. ActionBasterd
    May 7, 2013
    9
    Deerhunter follows up Halcyon Digest with Monomania, which favors raw distortion blended with melodic rock n' roll. Its a very calculatedDeerhunter follows up Halcyon Digest with Monomania, which favors raw distortion blended with melodic rock n' roll. Its a very calculated change of pace over the ambient shoegaze feel of the last two fantastic records.… Full Review »
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