O
by Tilly and the Wall
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    60
    As it stands, this one just squeaks by on the power of some very good songs and their typically energetic performances.
  2. Paste Magazine
    60
    Now mature pop songwriters, the Omaha quintet sounds more like a conventional band on O, favoring rousing sing-along choruses, richly layered pianos and trumpets, and even standard drum kits.
  3. Mojo
    60
    O resoounds with the lustily imparted vocals of Kianna Alarid and Neely Jenkins, while the band's signature instrumental palette--fizzing guitars, chunky '60s organs--has expanded into a thick sonic cheesecake. [Nov 2008, p.109]
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  5. Uncut
    60
    Their third LP reveal a sweary rock toughness that suits them (surprisingly) well. [Nov 2008, p.120]
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  6. Q Magazine
    60
    It's a heady, exuberant mix, although the mystifyingly reduced vocal contribution of Jamie's husband Derek in turn reduces their uniqueness. [Nov 2008, p.123]
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  7. PopMatters
    50
    On the album’s strongest songs, the band displays a strong sense of self, infusing their previous sound with unexpected sonic twists and turns. On the weaker songs, however, they betray their core aesthetic, adopting attitudes and sounds that make them sound disingenuous at best and at worst, like self-conscious poseurs.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. TimE.
    Jul 12, 2008
    9
    AMG is the biggest hypacrit. They complain when a band sounds the same throughout their career yet they have the nerve to criticize this AMG is the biggest hypacrit. They complain when a band sounds the same throughout their career yet they have the nerve to criticize this amazing record because it's too "angry and agressive." Because the guy in the band doesn't sing any more. Guy/Girl harmonies are all you hear nowadays. That's why they changed to girl vocals. She has a better voice and it sounds best without male background vocals. If you want to hear guy/girl harmonies listern to Los Campesinos or every other british artrock band in the country. This band is about being different than all the rest and to bitch about it like AMG just tells us that they're off their game and they need to get with the times. This album is incredibly diverse and clever it's no wonder why some publications don't get them. The tapdancing replacing drums is beyond brilliant and even catchier than most drummers can play. The harmonies are as gorgeous as the band. Expect this album to be a massive hit. Otherwise you're missing out.… Full Review »
  2. ChadS.
    Jun 30, 2008
    9
    "Dust Me Off" and "Alligator Skin" are catchy, Beulah-catchy, like lost tracks from "When Your Heartstrings Breaks" with a special guest "Dust Me Off" and "Alligator Skin" are catchy, Beulah-catchy, like lost tracks from "When Your Heartstrings Breaks" with a special guest female vocalist. Tilly and the Wall have the ability to write propulsively tuneful songs that are substantially weightless. I think they're a band for hipsters who aren't afraid to admit they like Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone". In other words, the band doesn't have an ounce of pretension in them. "Potkettle Black" is the standout. Great grrr-ly vocals. They sound like one of those all-female K, or Kill Rock Stars bands from the Northwest. After the quiet opening track, it's a surprise that they rock this convincingly.… Full Review »
  3. ErikaW
    Jun 29, 2008
    9
    A great album with a couple key listening-list tracks. An improvement from their last album.
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