Moth
by Chairlift
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jan 22, 2016
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Feb 25, 2016
    60
    Like many pop acts' full-lengths, this is an album of singles.
  2. PopMatters
    Feb 11, 2016
    60
    A diverse album is a thing to strive for, but trying to temper the optimism of a luminous, mother-of-pearl record like this by repeating tired ideas culled from the last decade of songwriting is not the way to go about it.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Jan 27, 2016
    60
    It’s by no means a bad album, but at this stage Chairlift are strictly second division.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Jan 21, 2016
    60
    They may have left behind their haunted house roots, which might rub some people off the wrong way, but Chairlift have found themselves creating something far more barmy, bold and exhilarating than ever before.
  6. Q Magazine
    Jan 20, 2016
    60
    Their third album is their most developed yet.... What's missing is that sense of real emotion, the euphoria or misery that makes for great pop. [Feb 2016, p.108]
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  7. Uncut
    Jan 20, 2016
    50
    Moth's incessantly hiccuping polysyllabic pop lacks soul and sticking power. [Feb 2016, p.73]
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  8. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 25, 2016
    40
    With the exception of Romeo, inspired by Greek mythology and possessing an irresistible chorus, too much of the album’s hinterland sounds slick but uninspired.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 2 out of 43
  1. jotaeseche
    Feb 11, 2016
    9
    With Moth, an irresistible world of sophistication, magic and slow power, Chairlift positions in the middle of acts like Purity Ring,With Moth, an irresistible world of sophistication, magic and slow power, Chairlift positions in the middle of acts like Purity Ring, CHVRCHES, Beach House or even Björk grabbing the best of them but still sounding quite idiosyncratic and faithful to their own style. I'm impressed for the vocal delivery here, the songwriting and the production; I'm in love with this record.… Full Review »
  2. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 30, 2016
    8
    For a pop record that initially seems a bit normative, Moth holds a steady number of secrets to be unearthed on closer listen. Utilizing sweetFor a pop record that initially seems a bit normative, Moth holds a steady number of secrets to be unearthed on closer listen. Utilizing sweet melodies and creative textures, Chairlift manages to turn the verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure into something vibrant, colorful, and intriguing. Vocalist Caroline Polacheck's vocals are extremely emotive, carrying would-be-weaker tracks to rest among the rest of the record. In terms of complaints, I have very few; however, the last track, No Such Thing as Illusion, goes on for far too long and ends the album uneventfully. It is really a shame, as the rest of the album is very consistent. For all of its musical creativity, Moth is also very formulaic. Perhaps Chairlift will heed Kate Bush, whose influence is very apparent, and embrace more experimental ideas on their next record. Despite these grievances, I thoroughly enjoyed Moth and loved most of the tracks here. Definitely a must-listen of 2016.

    84/100    … Full Review »
  3. proterospongia
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    Chairlift's third record, the first after 4 years, is their most solid work to date. Moth is filled with textures, colours, nostalgia,Chairlift's third record, the first after 4 years, is their most solid work to date. Moth is filled with textures, colours, nostalgia, danceable beats, and keeps alive the post-'80 feel that sets Chairlift apart from other contemporary indie-pop acts.… Full Review »
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