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Relaxer
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Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the British indie rock band was produced by Charlie Andrew.
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Top Track

In Cold Blood
01110011 Crying zeros and I'm nearing 111 Cut my somersaults, I'ma backflip Pool, summer, summer, pool, pool summer Kiss me Hair the way the sun... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 5, 2017
    90
    What truly elevates Relaxer for me is that it finally feels like Alt-J is extending their creative reach.
  2. Under The Radar
    Jun 1, 2017
    80
    This all-over-the-map approach makes Relaxer a bit dizzying and tough to digest at first, and yet you'll be immediately captivated and intrigued by its distinctive mix. And once you give it a few more listens, many of its varied songs will worm their way into your ears as some of this summer's best indie rock offerings.
  3. Clash Music
    Jun 2, 2017
    80
    They’ve created something quite distinct from their former work. In this regard, Relaxer places them firmly back on track.
  4. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 1, 2017
    60
    Relaxer is effectively Alt-J’s folk album: still studious and tending towards complexity, but here tempered by a rootedness that snags emotions more directly.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 5, 2017
    60
    Fans may balk at the curveballs--Hit Me Like That Snare is a louche garage-rock foray--but they telegraph the self-assurance that doesn’t rely on overcomplication.
  6. No Ripcord
    Jul 19, 2017
    50
    In Cold Blood follows and is excellent, with code-like vocals and a brass-funk cascade drenching a menacing chorus. Hit Me Like That Snare is alt-J flexing their nerdiness, and Deadcrush is great. The final three tracks of the record are painfully boring and terminally so.
  7. Record Collector
    Jun 23, 2017
    20
    Alt-J’s retelling of this age-old tale of ill repute has less edge than a mesh sack of Babybel cheeses.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. MissMac
    Jun 29, 2017
    10
    What a fantastic album, definitely one of the best albums I have listened to this year. I was blown away, it is positive, upbeat andWhat a fantastic album, definitely one of the best albums I have listened to this year. I was blown away, it is positive, upbeat and definitely a strong recommendation for the masses. I absolutely loved everything about it. Started off strong & maintained throughout. I can't wait to listen to it again, and again.… Expand
  2. Orli_Aguilar
    Jun 5, 2017
    9
    Una mezcla de moods/tracks que son un mundo con propia vida cada uno y muy distintos entre sí, sin embargo tan buenos que dan la impresión deUna mezcla de moods/tracks que son un mundo con propia vida cada uno y muy distintos entre sí, sin embargo tan buenos que dan la impresión de suceder con mucha velocidad, creando la sensación de una entrega sólida.… Expand
  4. YT_Guyyy
    Jun 2, 2017
    9
    This album is one of alt-J's more consistent albums. It's short, and sweet. The lyrics are great, and the music is more upbeat than theirThis album is one of alt-J's more consistent albums. It's short, and sweet. The lyrics are great, and the music is more upbeat than their previous material. Were I to say a problem with this record it would be their version of House of the Rising Sun; it's a little boring.… Expand
  5. Totemic
    Oct 16, 2019
    7
    I came into this album expecting a lot, since I really liked their first 2 LPs, and coming out of it I wasn't all that impressed. DeadcrushI came into this album expecting a lot, since I really liked their first 2 LPs, and coming out of it I wasn't all that impressed. Deadcrush and In Cold Blood stand out, Pleader's choirs are lovely and I personally love Hit Me Like That Snare, it's a really fun song right from the title, though I see why others wouldn't like it as much. But the other half of the album feels padded in length to compensate for it only having 8 songs. House of the Rising Sun is dull and disappointingly so, and Last Year has nice lyrics but it's kind of a pain to listen to, specially the first half.
    Overall, not a bad album but definitely a huge step down from their previous work.    … Expand
  6. TheFreeman148
    Jun 3, 2017
    7
    definitely a unique album BUT what I find most fascinating is the musical style in relation to the album artwork. The artwork is rippeddefinitely a unique album BUT what I find most fascinating is the musical style in relation to the album artwork. The artwork is ripped straight from an obscure Playstation video game called LSD and if you are familiar with the game, the music in this album COULD be put into the game without anyone noticing. If anyone wants a seriously trippy, unique, and seriously strange experience go watch some videos of that game and maybe put some ALT-J in the background.. truly freaky stuff!… Expand
  7. gobitoe
    Jul 19, 2020
    7
    Personally I thought their last record was pretty long and boring... lots of instrumental tracks that didn't really serve any purposes.Personally I thought their last record was pretty long and boring... lots of instrumental tracks that didn't really serve any purposes.

    When I saw the short track list on this record, I was hoping to not get bored again so quickly.

    The album starts off very good, but the last 2 tracks are the weakest in my opinion. I was expecting more quality coming from an 8 track record. Don't get me wrong, the other tracks are amazing and I think is some of their best work yet.    … Expand
  8. EatYoga
    Jun 6, 2017
    5
    I was so excited to see them release a new album, but on my first listen, I was a little disappointed. The album is going for a slower pace,I was so excited to see them release a new album, but on my first listen, I was a little disappointed. The album is going for a slower pace, more calming relaxing sound overall, which I didn't really enjoy from them. All songs are alright, but only In Cold Blood is really good, and feels like a true Alt-J song. 3WW and Deadcrush also stand out, but the other songs just don't really differentiate themselves and make the album tedious for me to listen from start to finish.

    This is definitely their worst album. As an overall album, its ok, and I wouldn't mind owning it, or having it play in a restaurant or coffee shop while I'm there, but as an Alt-J album, it was disappointing.    … Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2017

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