Neck of the Woods
by Silversun Pickups
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. AllMusic
    May 9, 2012
    80
    Neck of the Woods is an even more infectious and nuanced affair.
  2. Pitchfork
    May 15, 2012
    48
    Structural over-tinkering is endemic on Neck of the Woods, an album that Silversun Pickups claim was inspired by horror movies; if so, they're the kind of horror movies where you wait a long time for twists you can see coming a mile away, with the visceral impact all but diluted by a glossy CGI sheen.
  3. PopMatters
    May 9, 2012
    70
    Even in their least inspired moments, Silversun Pickups have something interesting on offer.
  5. Rolling Stone
    May 22, 2012
    70
    It could be a blurry Xerox of old sounds, but singer-guitarist Brian Aubert infuses his songs with wispy drama, balancing moppy-haired brooding and bright, bracing fuzz-drunk melodies.
  6. musicOMH.com
    May 16, 2012
    60
    It feels like a work in progress, skeletally over-precise and over-long.
  7. Under The Radar
    May 16, 2012
    70
    Lucky for listeners, not one track on the album is under five minutes, each song allowed the necessary incubation period to develop and grow without ever losing a limb.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    May 15, 2012
    60
    Neck of the Woods on its own is a good album, sure, but sabotages itself by giving us less to latch on to.
  9. The A.V. Club
    May 8, 2012
    75
    Neck Of The Woods may not coax many new fans to the Pickups' newly appointed Camp Crystal Lake, but it gives those already there something dark and sinister to mull over.
  10. Paste Magazine
    May 8, 2012
    85
    It's impossible to deny that not only has Silversun Pickups definitely arrived at their own sound, but that they're one of very few bands around who is finding new ground to break in a genre that most have given up for dead.
  11. Consequence
    May 11, 2012
    50
    Neck of the Woods takes a similar middle of the road approach [as Halloween III], and as a result, the Pickups sound oddly de-fanged.
  12. DIY Magazine
    May 4, 2012
    80
    The final word sees Neck Of The Woods as a great alternative rock record that will hopefully spur the band onward where 'Swoon' had them treading water.
  13. Alternative Press
    May 2, 2012
    80
    While some songs could benefit from a slight edit, Woods still feels complete--and essential. [Jun 2012, p.80]
  14. Sputnikmusic
    May 9, 2012
    70
    Neck of the Woods marks interesting territory in their development; it both stands its ground and stretches its legs without actually feeling like it's desperate to do either.
  15. Magnet
    Jun 19, 2012
    70
    A surprisingly deep album that fleshes out the vaguely krautish electronica the band only touched on in previous efforts. [No.88 p.59]
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  16. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 11, 2012
    40
    This is stadium schlock of the highest pedigree, the kind of thing that can make you feel desperately cynical about rock music.
  17. Kerrang!
    Jun 7, 2012
    60
    Something's horribly lacking here. Namely, actual songs. [May 2012, p.53]
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  18. Delusions of Adequacy
    May 18, 2012
    70
    Neck of the Woods may not be album of the year material, but it's the best album in this band's catalog by a long shot.
  19. Blurt Magazine
    May 23, 2012
    50
    If you're looking for something that's groundbreaking, thought provoking, unique and ultimately worth the money, don't bother.
  20. The Boston Phoenix
    May 2, 2012
    75
    Enlisting uber-producer Jacknife Lee (Bloc Party, Kasabian, R.E.M.) has brought some magic that keeps the mid-'90s flame--if not eternal--then at least at a reliable glow.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. ClevelandRob
    May 8, 2012
    10
    While Neck of the Woods doesn't have the easily accessible hits of the last 2 albums, after a few listens one realizes that it is their mostWhile Neck of the Woods doesn't have the easily accessible hits of the last 2 albums, after a few listens one realizes that it is their most complete work to date. The vibe and feel are intoxicating. They have found the balance between experimentation and familiar sound that Radiohead failed to on their last effort.… Full Review »
  2. Palp
    May 24, 2012
    10
    This album definitely took 1-2 listens to fully grow on me, but now after having listened to it approximately twenty times, it has become myThis album definitely took 1-2 listens to fully grow on me, but now after having listened to it approximately twenty times, it has become my favorite SSPU album, even ahead of Swoon. The drums have more variety in their sound on this record too, which is nice. Each and every song is memorable and each runs above 4 minutes in length, so you definitely get a lot of music for your money.… Full Review »
  3. mikejaycee
    May 17, 2012
    10
    10 out of 10 for me. Yes, it does require a few listens to get into but persevere and you'll be rewarded. Interestingly the negative reviews10 out of 10 for me. Yes, it does require a few listens to get into but persevere and you'll be rewarded. Interestingly the negative reviews all mention the single - Bloody Mary - as being the only stand out track. I rather feel it pales in comparison to the rest of the CD. It lacks the sheer power and dark passion of Skin Graph, Make Believe, Simmer, Busy Bees. There are too many highlights to mention, right through to the final track. Album of the year so far. Brilliant!… Full Review »
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