• Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2011
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Their seventh album opens with a simulated big-pop anthem and maintains that size and momentum without compromising their ability to play the new songs live.
  2. Nov 3, 2011
    89
    Singing sometimes borders on yelling, but the promised heights reach their summit.
  3. Sep 13, 2011
    83
    It's seldom less than catchy, and often moving as well.
  4. Sep 14, 2011
    81
    On Mountaintops, the band flaunts the dynamics of their past recordings while sneaking in layers of growth.
  5. Sep 28, 2011
    80
    Mountaintops certainly isn't radically different from Mates of States' other albums, but when the band has this kind of rapport, there's no need to deviate.
  6. Sep 21, 2011
    80
    After 14 years they show no signs of slowing down and you know what you don't want them too because they haven't even come close to sucking. It's a win win for all of us.
  7. Sep 14, 2011
    80
    If they keep making records as good as Mountaintops, they will have totally earned their gold watch and pension when they call it a day.
  8. Sep 13, 2011
    75
    This album is infectious.
  9. Sep 11, 2011
    71
    Mountaintops is the first of their records to grapple with the everyday tribulations and banality of spending your entire adult life in a band-- with your Mate, nonetheless.
  10. Sep 23, 2011
    70
    Take that undeniably delightful charm, add their increasingly laudable songwriting, and pepper in some wise instrumentation choices, and this makes for a strong album, one that bodes well for more in the future.
  11. Sep 12, 2011
    70
    Mountaintops has plenty of upbeat romps, but the most compelling moments are the epic, minor-key laments.
  12. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2011
    60
    The duo delivers all the exuberance of the Ting Tings, channeling the joys of domesticity, parenthood and conjugal intimacy with an infectious giddiness. [Oct 2011, p.93]
  13. Sep 14, 2011
    60
    By itself, Mountaintops is a big, dry album that doesn't move you anywhere.
  14. Alternative Press
    Sep 13, 2011
    60
    Mountaintops is still well-crafted (if overwrought), but lacks the punch that'll make you sit up and take notice. [Oct 2011, p.109]
  15. Sep 9, 2011
    60
    These moments of stepping outside of the indie pop comfort zone are what give Mountaintops a bit of zest, but it's also what makes the album less than a stellar affair.
  16. Sep 13, 2011
    55
    Mountaintops is a decent pop record, and will surely add a few fan favorites to the live set, but for a duo that did so much with just two instruments, they too often do less with more here.
  17. Under The Radar
    Nov 3, 2011
    50
    The quieter moments on Mountaintops work best....Because this is primarily a direct, uncompromising collection, the weak songs stick out like sore thumbs. [Oct 2011, p.105]
  18. Sep 23, 2011
    50
    It only leaves one hungry for a real Mates of State record.

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