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. The A.V. Club
    83
    Tilly And The Wall are excellent at writing instantly infectious pop songs ("Dust Me Off" may be their best yet), and they've finally corralled a full palate to go with it.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    O finds Tilly And The Wall perfecting the art of looking at the world through rose-colored glasses--without losing their inherent sweetness or zest for music's restorative qualities. [July 2008, p.150]
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  3. Under The Radar
    80
    The result is an expansion of the band’s sound, which offers some pleasing diversions into the dark (musically) and profane (lyrically) to offset a tendency that often leans toward the saccharine. [Summer 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Billboard
    80
    Tilly and the Wall stick with their signature combination of half-shouted words and harmony vocals. But the group also breaks new ground with punk rock riffs and percussion that well surpasses the standard of tambourines and Jamie Pressnall's tap dancing.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Clever, joyous and never patronising, O is a half hour bite of summer that’s perfect for fending off the darkening nights.
  7. Hot Press
    80
    Twee-sy tiger! Omaha act mix up their newest record with more attitude but still stay true to their original style.
  8. Pitchfork
    76
    Despite the evolution of their sound, Tilly and the Wall haven't forgotten about what made them appealing in the first place: bright co-ed harmonies, rousing choruses, and their overall open-hearted good nature.
  9. Spin
    70
    Yet here they are on their third full-length, and rather than calcify into indie-scene shtick, Tilly's music has gotten funnier and more vibrant.
  10. Slant Magazine
    70
    The Tillys have managed to keep the tap alive by focusing on quality songwriting while at the same time preserving their youthful wonder and elegant sensibilities.
  11. musicOMH.com
    70
    In contrast to the potty-mouthed numbers that precede it, the song's ['Heartbeats'] starry-eyed optimism is contagious and solidifies Tilly & the Wall's status as an indie band with dance-floor aspirations.
  12. Lost At Sea
    67
    On their third album O, the day-glo Omaha quintet Tilly and the Wall spoons some peanut butter into my mouth. After an initial scare with the typically saccharine, non-album single 'Beat Control,' they diversify after all, which doesn't mean more overdubs.
  13. Almost Cool
    65
    In the end, it's not going to change the world, but it shows that the group is definitely expanding (in a good way) their sound from their early days.

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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