Night On Fire
by VHS or Beta
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Pitchfork
    42
    VHS or BETA have moved on, like so many bands this year, to pillaging the dance-friendly template of late-80s Cure.
  2. AllMusic
    60
    An uneven but promising debut album that suggests that the group may still create something distinctive.
  3. Paste Magazine
    40
    Night on Fire is going to need a gifted remixer to transform it into the dance-floor-packer it aspires to be.
  5. Junkmedia
    40
    The '80s idolatry is far too forced and distracting, and VHS or Beta comes off as trying too hard to imitate admittedly great, but definitely dated, pop music.
  6. Alternative Press
    40
    Clogging their previously supple grooves with banal guitar bluster and noxious singing, VHS Or Beta don't set the Night On Fire; they just dampen your spirits. [Oct 2004, p.148]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. MatthewT
    Feb 9, 2006
    9
    Many have already made the high quality of this album known in their comments, so i shall simply defend it from those who single out the Many have already made the high quality of this album known in their comments, so i shall simply defend it from those who single out the production and the instrumentals...quite frankly, i cannot find fault with the production which seems crisp and suited to the music...and the instrumentals...what's wrong with them? Do songs have to have lyrics to be good? In my opinion the instrumentals add variety to an already quality album, which contains no filler, but plenty of quality 80s style music with a beat that makes your hips want to wiggle and your arms want to dance...GO VHS OR BETA GO!… Full Review »
  2. EW
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    I love this band! Their not that big in the UK so I had a hard time trying to find the album, but when I did i was soooo happy!!! The beats I love this band! Their not that big in the UK so I had a hard time trying to find the album, but when I did i was soooo happy!!! The beats are highly addictive and you can't help but dance! Their like what you get when you mix together Duran Duran, Daft Punk and The Cure. Get this album NOW!!!… Full Review »
  3. MusicMaven
    Jun 13, 2005
    7
    VHS Or Beta follow a pretty simple formula. Thumping 70's disco + moody 80's new wave = new millennium dance-punk. It's not VHS Or Beta follow a pretty simple formula. Thumping 70's disco + moody 80's new wave = new millennium dance-punk. It's not terribly original, but it makes for a fun listen. There's echoes of The Alarm, Echo & The Bunnymen, and early U2 within the dancefloor-ready grooves. The minimal lyrics are pretty bland, but the lead singer's Robert-Smith-like croon makes them sound deep. Some of the songs fade into the background and others go on too long (like the closer "Irreversible"), but if you like the ingredients in the formula, this album can definitely set your night on fire.… Full Review »
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