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Moth Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the Brooklyn duo of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly was inspired by New York City.
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Take a break from the wooing mountains, I wanna show you off Laying low at home, whatever, I wanna show you off To the boys who think they're clever,... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 91
    Polachek is also a whip-smart lyricist and on these ten tracks, she reveals a poet’s eye for observing the world around her.
  2. 83
    Moth is a breezy, immensely enjoyable pop record that provides just the amount of pep that you’ll need to make it through the winter.
  3. Feb 1, 2016
    80
    Though as a collection Moth is both fascinating and fun, demonstrative of what can be achieved when you focus on substance over style.
  4. Jan 22, 2016
    75
    While not a minimalistic record by any stretch of the imagination, Moth greatly benefits from a toned-down approach that gets to the core of what makes each song work.
  5. Jan 26, 2016
    70
    Make no mistake, these are all energising pop tunes, but by the time you reach the seventh track, you’re left wondering how many of them you can take in one go.
  6. Feb 25, 2016
    60
    Like many pop acts' full-lengths, this is an album of singles.
  7. 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.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. 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. Expand
  2. 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. Expand
  3. 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
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  4. Jan 22, 2016
    7
    While I'm new to whatever sound Chairlift is trying to present here, I think there is something quite special going on. Polachek's vocals areWhile I'm new to whatever sound Chairlift is trying to present here, I think there is something quite special going on. Polachek's vocals are caked with sweet emotion and the lyrics are deeply personal as well. I find that despite its pop appeal (to some degree) there is a fair level of experimentation present. Glitchy, schizophrenic synths provide great contrast to the vocals and are mostly coherent. Overall a nice experimental pop album, even with a couple forgettable tracks here and there. Expand
  5. May 15, 2016
    7
    This album has me really moving. Really nice grooves all over this album and the vocals of Ms. Polachek constantly make me feel like i amThis album has me really moving. Really nice grooves all over this album and the vocals of Ms. Polachek constantly make me feel like i am being poured over by pure sugary icing. Sadly, some of these songs feel like they could have been a lot better if they were optimized a bit more in terms of instrumentation and mastering. But for anyone who is into HAIM, Purity Ring, CHVRCHES, Passion Pit etc, this album is for you. Could be the reason why i enjoyed this really much :) Expand
  6. Jan 30, 2016
    7
    Favourite Songs: Polymorphing, Ch-Ching, Moth to the Flame
    Least Favourite Songs: Romeo
    One month into the year and I've already found one
    Favourite Songs: Polymorphing, Ch-Ching, Moth to the Flame
    Least Favourite Songs: Romeo
    One month into the year and I've already found one of the best album covers of 2016. Music is not quite as good but it's not exactly bad either and there's a couple of real gems on here like 'Ch-Ching' and the synth pop masterpiece 'Moth to the Flame' (well maybe not a "masterpiece" but it's up there with the classic synth-pop songs of the 80s.) I was first drawn into the album by the slightly off kilter production on the opener which is a gradual build and good opening to the album. I felt a bit disappointed as the album went on because the vocalists voice was stretched a bit too far a fair few times but the production stayed consistent with a lot of horns and subtle sax giving the record an extremely joyous feel. I guess it starts to lose steam with the last couple of tracks but overall it's a great pop record. The only track I have to skip is 'Romeo'. I mean it seems promising during the first verse but the chorus is just god awful because of how high pitched her vocals are and how sugary the synths are. It reminded me of everything I hated about Grimes' last album. But yeah great pop album it doesn't overstay it's welcome at all.
    Better Than Previous Project?: idk
    Try This If You Like: Art Angels by Grimes
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  7. Dec 7, 2016
    6
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See all 8 User Reviews