Return to the Moon
by EL VY
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2015
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Beverlyrdgeese
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    Fun album. Cool to hear Berninger's voice in front of funkier, poppier music than with The National. Really consistently good album throughout. No Time To Crank The Sun, It's A Game, and Sad Case/Happiness are quite special tracks indeed. Grade: A
  2. Ricko
    Aug 22, 2016
    8
    I would guess that most people (like me) are checking this record out on the back of Berninger role as frontman of The National. Apart from the unmistakable voice, EL VY are a completely different animal and of the 11 tracks on the album, I would say that only "No Time To Crank The Sun" is the only song that is reminiscent of The National. "Return to the Moon" has a feel of New Wave asI would guess that most people (like me) are checking this record out on the back of Berninger role as frontman of The National. Apart from the unmistakable voice, EL VY are a completely different animal and of the 11 tracks on the album, I would say that only "No Time To Crank The Sun" is the only song that is reminiscent of The National. "Return to the Moon" has a feel of New Wave as well as garage rock. It doesn't bring anything new to either of those genres but is enjoyable none the less. More often than not, side projects are luxurys rather than necessities for members of bands who have made it big and you could say this about EL VY. "Return to the Moon" may not be crucial listening in a way that The National's best work is but having said this, there are songs present here that may never have seen the light of day with The National or with Brent Knopf's various work. That would be a shame. Enjoyable on many levels without being essential.… Expand
  3. mrpringeek
    Nov 3, 2015
    6
    I think that EL VY have some good ideas on this album, both instrumentally and lyrically. The problem is that these two areas clash horrendously at some points, with Matt's lyrics being quite melancholy and depressing on what are upbeat and punchy tracks. His baritone voice also doesn't really fit the music either, sounding quite hard to hear at points in the mix. Overall, this albumI think that EL VY have some good ideas on this album, both instrumentally and lyrically. The problem is that these two areas clash horrendously at some points, with Matt's lyrics being quite melancholy and depressing on what are upbeat and punchy tracks. His baritone voice also doesn't really fit the music either, sounding quite hard to hear at points in the mix. Overall, this album wasn't bad by any sense, it just didn't quite meet the expectations that I had from the singles released. But hopefully they continue to write material and improve for their next release!… Expand
  4. Keztag
    Dec 5, 2015
    8
    Solid release, it's been on pretty heavy rotation since I got it. There are really no dud songs on this one.

    I was probably attracted to this album more from Menomena's Brent Knopf than the National's Matt Berninger since I know Menomena better. I'd say it has representative elements of each band and look forward to future collaborations.
  5. TrueGoatective
    Nov 8, 2015
    9
    I was kinda worried about this album because I can't picture Matt outside of The National, but in the end his voice (mmmh that baritone) works with the poppy and jangly guitar bits provided by Brent Knopf. The synth touches placed here and there contribute to the dreamy atmosphere of the album.

    It took me 4 or 5 thorough listens to really get into the mood of RTTM (the shadow of The    I was kinda worried about this album because I can't picture Matt outside of The National, but in the end his voice (mmmh that baritone) works with the poppy and jangly guitar bits provided by Brent Knopf. The synth touches placed here and there contribute to the dreamy atmosphere of the album.

    It took me 4 or 5 thorough listens to really get into the mood of RTTM (the shadow of The National was looming over me) as I kept thinking 'oh boy, this album really sucks. Where are the good songs after Paul is Alive ? Where are the sultry arrangements, trademark of The National ?'

    You really need to clear your head and let it flow. It's not a new National record nor a Menomena one. Once you do that, you realise that RTTM might be one of 2015's finest albums, light-hearted and serious at the same time. Definitely recommend it, especially to the P4K's critic who seemed a bit confused.    … Expand
  6. manelopez
    Nov 15, 2015
    7
    When we first listened to 'Return To The Moon', we expected a funny album. Then 'I'm The Man To Be' was released and we were still thinking that, but then the album is some sort of not so well connected songs that, though they sound pretty well and there's a good production work behind, it kind of feels like it was all designed to be like a scape valve for Matt Berninger (vocalist, fromWhen we first listened to 'Return To The Moon', we expected a funny album. Then 'I'm The Man To Be' was released and we were still thinking that, but then the album is some sort of not so well connected songs that, though they sound pretty well and there's a good production work behind, it kind of feels like it was all designed to be like a scape valve for Matt Berninger (vocalist, from The National): Songs crafted to show a happy vibe although they actually end being dragged into "darkness" due to Matt's essence.
    As I said, pretty good work, nice funny and kind of surrealistic lyrics, but I missed some songs that made me pay more attention to the album. It starts so well, then it falls into dullness and then kind of resurrects. That's why I'd actually give it a 6,5 out of 10.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. PopMatters
    Nov 17, 2015
    50
    Too often, though, Return to the Moon seems stuck in place. It’s as if Berninger and Knopf are too relaxed for their own good; the album feels more tossed off than anything else.
    Read full review
  2. NOW Magazine
    Nov 11, 2015
    80
    The result is a collection of upbeat indie rock songs that brings out the very best in both players.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    Nov 3, 2015
    70
    Not giving a little more is a problem that hangs over the end of the album, and for some of the more rabid fans of The National it’s something that they’ll consider a problem for the entirety of Return To The Moon. There are some bright and poignant moments here though, but, like the majority of The National’s work, the depths of the album may take a while to become apparent.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »