Nootropics - Lower Dens
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Paste Magazine
    May 2, 2012
    88
    Nootropics, the latest record from Baltimore quintet Lower Dens, connects layered loops and trippy chants with catchy rock 'n' roll arrangements, delivering a pure punch of sonic bliss.
  2. The Boston Phoenix
    Apr 27, 2012
    88
    The dreamwave immersion and haunting power of Hunter's vocals invite comparisons to fellow Baltimore mood-wizards Beach House, but whereas Teen Dream aimed for beauty even at its darkest, Lower Dens keeps things weird.
  3. Pitchfork
    May 1, 2012
    82
    This is one of those albums that creates its own little sound world, and a lot of its appeal has to do with qualities like texture and atmosphere.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. pandachrist
    10
    This album is a beauty! I get the Beach House and Radiohead comparisons but you can get so much more out of this if you give it a chance. I didn't enjoy the Twin-Hand Movement on first listen but eventually came to love it. Nootropics brings you into a whole different world. I wasn't blown away on first listen but I knew I was listening to something special but I could not pin it down. The more listens you give this baby the more beauty it reveals. Fantastic record!… Full Review »
  2. JBBu
    9
    This one of the best of the year so far....with many of the ethereal end of post punk references (early 80's Cocteau Twins, the Cure, Breathless, etc.) mixed with contemporary sensibilities, it shines.… Full Review »
  3. jyo_tirmaya
    9
    This album is like a Beach House album, but it's "weird" and I like it better. There was something too pretty about Beach house. Lower DEns adds more gothic beauty in their music (and being a goth a decade ago that means a lot). Overall, this album is a strange trip, but one worth taking if you have the guts to do so.… Full Review »
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