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Penny Sparkle - Blonde Redhead
Penny Sparkle Image
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The alternative rock trio's eighth album was produced by Van Rivers and the Subliminal Kid.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Though lacking standout tracks, this is an icy masterclass in how synths should sound.
  2. BBC Music
    80
    Always building and beautiful, their sparse, even minimal, approach lends Penny Sparkle a complexity that's both rich and rewarding in both its inspiration and execution.
  3. Spin
    60
    The trio are certainly equipped for the challenge, since they're already experienced purveyors of foreboding, romantic, minor-keyed dreaminess; but their dub-tinged candle-flicker sometimes trades haunting for drab.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. pdcuster
    8
    criminally underrated album. i too was initially disappointed by this one because "23" was such a hard act to follow, BUT "penny sparkle" is a grower. yeah, it tapers off in the end, but the meat on this record is some of the dreamiest pop music being made today. if you get the chance to see these guys on their current tour the album will make a whole lot more sense. i saw them with about a dozen friends last night and we were all blown away.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. micho224
    5
    underwhelming and quite disappointing given the brilliance of their last album. Synths have basically replaced guitars leading to quite an icy and distant sound. Not really any standout tracks… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. hydrawithears
    4
    I guess that Blonde Redhead should have waited with release of a follow-up to their almost universally acclaimed 23 a bit longer. Despite a great start (Here Sometimes), the band fail to keep the listener’s attention. The biggest problem is the impression that Blonde Redhead don’t give a damn: Kazu Makino has a wonderful voice but sounds lifeless and the synths are as icy as the dry ice.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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