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Return To The Sea
by
Return To The Sea Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut disc for the new band from former Unicorns members Nick Diamonds and J'aime Tambeur includes appearances from members of Royal City, Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire.

Top Track

Swans (life After Death)
Swans Swans Swans sing songs All night long Who knew how warm the islands were While the frogs look on It's what the birds prefer And it's still... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    A rich, exciting, and emotionally deep sounding album that carries on the freewheeling spirit and sound of the Unicorns as well as that of the Elephant 6 bands of the late '90s.
  2. Pitchfork
    84
    Return to the Sea is a case of Diamonds and Tambeur yanking up their anchor and setting sail for new waters, enjoying the freedoms of exploration and discovery.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The Frank Zappa/Neutral Milk Hotel/Muppet Show vibe doesn't always jibe, but that's half the fun. [7 Apr 2006, p.63]
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  4. Under The Radar
    80
    Islands have made a grand entrance into the indie-rock world. [Summer 2006, p.90]
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  5. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Return to the Sea reins in its eccentricities successfully enough to illustrate that the most understated risks can be the most rewarding.
  6. Alternative Press
    70
    Amid the highlife guitars and percussion that give Sea a delightful Afro-pop sheen... it's impossible to ignore the creeping conventionalism of the disc's best tracks. [Jun 2006, p.178]
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  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    There are some redeeming qualities, but for every success there are one or two failures.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. [Anonymous]
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    One of the best this year. A constantly fun and interesting listen. "Swans (Life After Death)" is one of the best songs this year.
  2. WillL
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    I LOVE THIS ALBUM. If you like arcade fire or any of the unicorns work, youll love this album immediatly. My only complaint is the creepy I LOVE THIS ALBUM. If you like arcade fire or any of the unicorns work, youll love this album immediatly. My only complaint is the creepy intro narrator guy on volcano, i love the song its probly my favorite, but it coulda done without the creepy intro. ps indie vocal basher: i cant believe you just said dan bejar's vocals work better than nick diamonds (i love destroyer, but come on...its dan bejar)… Expand
  4. miguelc
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    ill give it a ten if not for its feel good vibe but its its uniqueness. i havnt heard anything this adventurous in a while.
  5. ashisawesome
    Apr 14, 2006
    9
    I think Tiny Mix Tapes is really full of shit and helps only to sabotage the second coming of these guys. Mix Tapes is about them... not I think Tiny Mix Tapes is really full of shit and helps only to sabotage the second coming of these guys. Mix Tapes is about them... not about the music. Dont allow preconceived opinions dilute your first impressions of the islands!… Collapse
  6. wj
    Apr 17, 2006
    9
    Don't listen to the negative reviews. If you liked wwcohwwg then you will like this a lot. It is amazing pop. i guess it is Don't listen to the negative reviews. If you liked wwcohwwg then you will like this a lot. It is amazing pop. i guess it is understandable that some people will not like this, but if you do like it, you will really, really dig it. Jogging Gorgeous Summer, Don't Call Me Whitney Bobby and Rough Gem will make your spring brilliant.… Expand
  7. CircuitRider
    Jun 30, 2006
    8
    Im not sure what some people are talking about.. the production value is fine, the loose feel of the band lends itself stylistcally to their Im not sure what some people are talking about.. the production value is fine, the loose feel of the band lends itself stylistcally to their carribean influences (not to mention Modest Mouse impersonation on track 1). Track 10 serves as a nice balance to all the overly upbeat tracks. I would say melodically this album borrows from Paul Simon much more than Billy Joel.. but whatever...Overall a nice effort.… Expand
  8. ChrisW
    Jun 18, 2006
    4
    A Little too adventurous, it's like they are trying too hard to find their niche. Track #10 is horrible! Others pass by questioning... Why?

See all 31 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Album of 2006

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