Quaristice
by Autechre
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2008
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    There are ideas here that could have been developed into a stunning 10-track album. Unfortunately, Quaristice contains 20 ‘tunes’, many of them elusively experimental ear-tormenters.
  2. Under The Radar
    50
    The music is challenging to be sure, but cannot be disregarded outright due to several moments where everything seems to click. [Spring 2008, p.88]
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  3. The Guardian
    60
    Quaristice, though it contains plenty of ingenuity and microscopic beauty across its 20 tracks, often feels trapped by its own twitchy algorithms.
  5. Spin
    60
    Get past glitchy irritants like 'SonDEremawe' and an artful payoff of cerebral, booty-shaking decadence awaits on their ninth album.
  6. NOW Magazine
    40
    When you have to think this hard about music, it becomes a somewhat joyless ride, especially since Booth and Brown deny the listener a single danceable beat until track 10.
  7. No Ripcord
    60
    Quaristice can occasionally be on the sloggish side. However, there's a lot to admire in such a brazen display of accomplishment, and, while it may not be looking to court the most gushing of affection, this will undoubtedly prove to be one of '08's most singular releases.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. AndreD.
    Mar 10, 2008
    10
    The first listen was meh at best, but immediately afterwards on the second listen it soon becomes apparent that this may be one of the The first listen was meh at best, but immediately afterwards on the second listen it soon becomes apparent that this may be one of the greatest albums they've ever released. Absolutely amazing.… Full Review »
  2. EricC.
    May 5, 2008
    9
    What's painful for some is awesome for others. Experimental electro can be a very intimidating genre, and Autechre doesn't disprove What's painful for some is awesome for others. Experimental electro can be a very intimidating genre, and Autechre doesn't disprove this. You actually have to look for beats and rhythms, and the sounds they throw in may sound sensless and random. But something just clicked when I heard this album for the first time, and I actually enjoyed it. The second time, and it became my favorite album of the new year. They're ultra-precise computer tricks are beyond what most of their peers are doing (if you would dare call Does it Offend You Yeah? or Morcheeba their peers). It also doesn't hurt that this album reminds me of the score to Blade Runner (not sure why, except for the broodingly beautiful opener and closer). If you don't think that this is music, then you can't be convinced. For everyone else who is willing to get engaged in their music, then Autechre have no rivals. Also, it blows my mind how some people lable them as dance. Try to dance to them, and put it on YouTube.… Full Review »
  3. MatthewB.
    Mar 27, 2008
    9
    The first time I listened to this I skimmed through the beginnings of a few tracks, and thought it wasn't anything special. However this The first time I listened to this I skimmed through the beginnings of a few tracks, and thought it wasn't anything special. However this album really only comes alive when you listen to it as a single and complete musical journey. It's their best album for many years.… Full Review »
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