Mountain Battles
by The Breeders
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Apr 8, 2008
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Blender
    60
    The result is slight but often gorgeous. [Apr 2008, p.77]
  2. Hot Press
    60
    It’s not as nebulous as their last album--and it doesn’t deliver the melodic thrills of Last Splash--but Mountain Battles has personality, spirit, warmth and tenderness in abundance.
  3. Urb
    60
    With the Pixies re-run now seemingly over, it's good to hear the "other Deal" project back in full effect.
  5. NOW Magazine
    60
    The end product, however, is an album easy to admire yet tough to love.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Even when the spare, fractured arrangements seem a bit aimless, the girlish harmonies keep on charming. [May 2008, p.126]
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  7. The A.V. Club
    58
    While Deal's music has often been enhanced by its try-anything roughness, here, she sounds like she's just hoping something will stick.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Deal; her sister, Kelley, on guitar; drummer Jose Medeles; and bassist Mando Lopez return from 2002's "Title TK" in a mellow tone.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    The record comes off like punk-rock outtakes for the heavily narcotized.
  10. Under The Radar
    50
    Despite its evocative title of raw sinewy snarl, Mountain Battles is, sadly, a narcoleptic disappointment. [Spring 2008, p.74]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. MichaelE.
    Apr 15, 2008
    8
    It´s a very fine work, and it´s interesting that it works so well, because the material is so raw. Nevertheless it creates a It´s a very fine work, and it´s interesting that it works so well, because the material is so raw. Nevertheless it creates a unique atmosphere - really stunning! In some of the very moody pieces there is a distant parallel to the the Young Marble Giants.… Full Review »
  2. SteveS
    Apr 12, 2008
    10
    Perfect for whatever mood you're in. The albums raw sound in exactly what I hoped for when I picked this up. I've been a fan since Perfect for whatever mood you're in. The albums raw sound in exactly what I hoped for when I picked this up. I've been a fan since 1990 and have never been disappointed by The Breeders. Track 3 "Night of Joy", Track 5 "German Studies", Track 10 "Here No More" are my favorites.… Full Review »
  3. ChristopherS.
    Apr 9, 2008
    6
    Rather lethargic, mildly catchy ("It's the Love," "We're Gonna Rise"). Kim is still cool, though. Looking forward to your next Rather lethargic, mildly catchy ("It's the Love," "We're Gonna Rise"). Kim is still cool, though. Looking forward to your next album (2013?).… Full Review »
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