Repave
by Volcano Choir
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
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  1. Derz
    Sep 3, 2013
    9
    Justin continues amazing with this project. But it's not just his vocals and lyrics that make this project great. There is some truly impressive, unique music on here that make it stand out as one of the best albums of 2013.
  2. ZacharyMatson
    Sep 14, 2013
    8
    With Volcano Choir we don't quite get the unique, sorrowing, flavor of despair that we ironically love with Vernon's Bon Iver. But the beauty of the hooks and choruses will show you that Vernon and friends are more than just a side project.
  3. SimpleMethod
    Sep 5, 2013
    9
    Repave is a great album. I really enjoyed hearing Justin Vernon again after being deprived of Bon Iver for so long. The best tracks are Dancepack, Byegone, and Comrade, but the other 5 are still a great. My favorite album of 2013 so far.
  4. isatler3
    Sep 3, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was fourteen when I got my first listen of Bon Iver. Their self entitled album took my brain for ransom. 'For Emma, Forever Ago' made me cry like a little girl. Front-man Justin Vernon's latest work as Volcano Choir did both of the aforementioned, and then some. Each song is its own story, its own emotional journey. Go buy this album so that people like Justin Vernon and his fellow Volcano Choir-er's never stop doing what they do.… Expand
  5. schlabach
    Sep 8, 2013
    9
    Repave is great. I just recently got my first taste of volcano choir after listening to Bon Iver for quite some time and I loved it!. This was everything I had anticipated. This is a must listen!
  6. elandry
    Mar 28, 2014
    9
    This is one of those few albums where you don't want it to end. After my first couple of listens I could not get enough of it. I let off for a few weeks then listened to it again and it has truly become one of my favorites which is why it's deserving of a 9.

    The jump from "Unmap" to "Repave" is truly remarkable, "Unmap" had a couple standout tracks but the rest felt like ambient    This is one of those few albums where you don't want it to end. After my first couple of listens I could not get enough of it. I let off for a few weeks then listened to it again and it has truly become one of my favorites which is why it's deserving of a 9.

    The jump from "Unmap" to "Repave" is truly remarkable, "Unmap" had a couple standout tracks but the rest felt like ambient nothingness. With this album you can feel the much more focused attempt at each song. It sounds like a more powerful Bon Iver but with a little edge that Collection of Colonies of Bees gives it.

    This album is truly a masterpiece with its bold arrangements and Justin using more of his powerful natural voice. You will definitely listen to this one on repeat.    … Collapse

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 17, 2013
    80
    It’s a balance of brainy introspection and communal joy--hard to do but easy to listen to.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 23, 2013
    60
    At this point in time, Volcano Choir has made it clear that despite what the scattershot structure of Unmap may have indicated upon its release, this project is for real. Whether it remains on the musical radar for years to come remains to be seen.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Sep 23, 2013
    80
    Volcano Choir puts Mr. Vernon’s voice and words up front and builds something like songs around them, often with crescendos marching toward full-scale choruses--enough to make the often inscrutable lyrics sound passionate enough to be worth puzzling out.
    Read full review
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