Old World Romance
by Sea Wolf
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. AllMusic
    Sep 12, 2012
    80
    It may not hit the listener over the head with theatrics or tormented confessions, but the subdued and personal nature of Church's songs here allow for a more intimate connection than on any Sea Wolf material that came before.
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 12, 2012
    70
    This isn't meant to be a record to set the world on fire, it's a record meant to capture specific set of places and feelings, which it does wonderfully.
  3. Consequence
    Sep 12, 2012
    40
    The result is a fine collection of Coldplay B-sides.
  5. Alternative Press
    Sep 12, 2012
    50
    While it's enjoyable for what it is, you can't help but wonder where all the songs went when after an half-hour or so, you recall literally nothing. [Oct 2012, p.92]
  6. Filter
    Sep 13, 2012
    72
    Sea Wolf's latest crafts a retrospective piece that lingers just long enough to instill in the listener an undeniable poignancy.
  7. Beats Per Minute
    Sep 14, 2012
    81
    The end result is a quieted, more suppressed record that steps delicately from one note to the next and shines even more of a spotlight on the twin vocal sentiments of longing and crumbled romance.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. SoggyBottomBoy
    Nov 24, 2013
    4
    This album is quite underwhelming, which is disappointing for a group, and a singer-songwriter like Church, with such potential.

    Indie rock    This album is quite underwhelming, which is disappointing for a group, and a singer-songwriter like Church, with such potential.

    Indie rock bands have the difficult job of trying to create a style unique enough to attract a niche audience. Unfortunately Sea Wolf has failed to continue what they did right in their previous efforts (beautiful composition and interesting dynamics) and accentuated the flat aspects of their music. Melodically, the majority of the tracks are uninspired. Church has a fine voice, but without original lyrics it drags along like any pop singer-songwriter. The lyrics of the album, oftentimes contemplating themes of direction in life as well as past decisions, fall into the cliché of pop music and could easily be successful on Billboard if the album was more up-tempo. I don’t mean that as a compliment. The percussion work is reminiscent of early Phoenix, utilizing a stylized drum machine sound. It isn’t anything fresh or sophisticated when it needs to carry the track (which is often) and you get the feeling that the group believes deviating from standard rhythms can make up for a heartless melody or lyric. It doesn’t.

    I sincerely hope the group reevaluates their direction and chooses to experiment more. Maybe then they can rediscover originality and celebrate what makes indie rock fun- surprises.    … Full Review »
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