Omni
by Minus the Bear
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Kerrang!
    60
    While Dave's guitars are still engaging, their spirit is undone by a lack of soul underneath. [28 Aug 2010, p.54]
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  2. Uncut
    60
    Producer Joe Chiccarelli curbs their proggy tendencies in favor of chromed-out, geometrically precise arrangements embedded with bull's eye melodic and instrumental hooks. [Jul 2010, p.115]
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  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Naturally, they can't resist chopping and changing course at the drop of a hat, but the melodic sheen clearly serves notice of more mainstream intent. [Oct 2010, p.120]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Tracks such as "Excuses," "Animal Backwards" and, in particular, "Into the Mirror" caress the ears with hypnotic funk, yet these triumphs are only ripples against a stronger tide, as lyrically Omni is a damp blanket.
  6. musicOMH.com
    50
    If the world wants to point at the band's best album it's easily Planet of Ice, but if we're in the business of recognizing a group's ethos, Omni stands as the prime example of what Minus The Bear want to achieve.
  7. The A.V. Club
    50
    The spacey, psychedelic flourishes and harmonies have been ditched in favor of blandly inoffensive solos and big, arena-rock choruses. And there'd be nothing wrong with any of this if the songs were stronger.
  8. Mojo
    40
    While the band's strength lies in inventiveness of their composition, the end result isn't as enjoyable to hear as it surely was to make. [Sep 2010, p.102]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 5 out of 22
  1. mitchelljgreco
    May 3, 2017
    7
    A less successful effort from the group, but there are some gems in there, as well. Even though some songs are set up for a full listening,A less successful effort from the group, but there are some gems in there, as well. Even though some songs are set up for a full listening, they just are not successful in that way (Animal Backwards maintaining the Into the Mirror theme but being offset a 16th note, Summer Angel starting in same key (pitch) and tempo where My Time ends). Overall, it seems like the band is trying too hard in spots (for a new sound, integrating new ideas from new members?).

    However, My Time is a solid song if you like electronics. Dayglow Vista Road is an awesome song with many layers - very unique, syncopated groove from Erin Tate on drums - and Excuses and Hold Me Down are well written tunes that don't seem to have been overladen with attempts to make them what they are not. It becomes clear on this album that Jake's voice just seems to get smoother and smoother, and the band is allowing space for his vocals to shine through (Fooled by the Night). Although the syncopation is still there, the album is essentially all in "simple" 4/4 time (minus the electronics vs. acoustic instruments in the intro of Dayglow and the unison hits in the coda), which is an adjustment for those that have lived through their discography. Less consistent album here but still some very good tracks.    … Full Review »
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