O Shudder
by Dutch Uncles
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Alternative Press
    Feb 2, 2015
    90
    They've made an undeniably great record that hits the sweet spot between distinction and accessibility. [Mar 2015, p.93]
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  2. AllMusic
    Feb 24, 2015
    80
    Equally precise and off-kilter, noodly and urgent, Dutch Uncles sound remarkably confident on these portraits of uncertainty.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Feb 23, 2015
    80
    Dutch Uncles’ most direct and user-friendly album yet.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 20, 2015
    80
    What’s striking though is that a band known for a very particular sound can produce such individually distinct pop songs, with equal aplomb, while remaining within their self-defined parameters of 'the Dutch Uncles sound'.
  6. The Guardian
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    O Shudder paints a portrait of a very modern man, and establishes them as masters at sculpting an atmosphere of unease.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 9, 2015
    80
    Depending on your standpoint as regards selling out and cashing in, you'll either be baffled or delighted to discover that they've adjusted their modus operandi not one jot on the follow-up, O Shudder.
  8. Uncut
    Jan 30, 2015
    80
    "Drips" hovers between Hot Chip and late-period XTC, while the meticulous detail of "Babymaking" and "Don't Sit Back (Frankie Said)" recall lost studio gems like Rosie Vela's Walter Beck-helmed Zazu. [Mar 2015, p.75]
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  9. Under The Radar
    Jan 30, 2015
    75
    A playful, honest and passionate release. [Nov-Dec 2014, p.64]
  10. PopMatters
    Apr 6, 2015
    70
    O Shudder is another great Dutch Uncles album, and that should be more than enough.
  11. The Quietus
    Mar 10, 2015
    70
    Whilst the album sounds confident and assured, its lyrical themes are built around questions, without ever proposing answers.
  12. Pitchfork
    Feb 27, 2015
    70
    Though the busy, Reichian loops help decorate the retro palette, it's the sort of intricacy that can encase art-pop in bulletproof glass, demanding admiration without meeting us halfway. At its best, though, O Shudder's timeworn skill is to combat looming adversity with verve and rhythm, emptying the mind through the body.
  13. musicOMH.com
    Feb 18, 2015
    70
    A couple of flaws prevent O Shudder from surpassing Out Of Touch In The Wild.... But this is still an impressive album by a band who possess intelligence, originality and personality.
  14. Q Magazine
    Jan 30, 2015
    60
    The odd lapse into trying to show how clever they are aside, O Shudder is the step up Dutch Uncles needed. [Mar 2015, p.106]
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  15. Consequence
    Feb 20, 2015
    50
    Since the LP’s 11 tracks always keep the listener at arm’s length, it’s best to treat them with the same indifference. Don’t be the reacher in this relationship.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Dennonyx
    Feb 25, 2015
    5
    This album is right on the border between hypnotic and boring. Although it's overall salvageable and sometimes interesting, it appears also aThis album is right on the border between hypnotic and boring. Although it's overall salvageable and sometimes interesting, it appears also a bit cheapish and remedied in several points. I usually enjoy indie albums, but this one definitely denotes a slight worsening if compared to the past works of the band.… Full Review »
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