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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  5. Kerrang!
    Jun 7, 2012
    60
    Something's horribly lacking here. Namely, actual songs. [May 2012, p.53]
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  6. musicOMH.com
    May 16, 2012
    60
    It feels like a work in progress, skeletally over-precise and over-long.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

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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