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Riot On An Empty Street
by
Riot On An Empty Street Image
Metascore
71

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

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 33 Ratings

  • Summary: The Norway-based indie-folk duo of Erlend Øye and Erik Glambek Bøe reunite for a third album, following some detours by Øye into more electronic-based music.

Top Track

Cayman Islands
Through the alleyways To cool off in the shadows Then into the street Following the water There's a bearded man Paddling in his canoe Looks as if he... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Riot's tales of lost loves and existential confusion shimmer with precise harmonies, memorably melancholy melodies, and rich but restrained arrangements. [6 Aug 2004, p.80]
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  2. Dot Music
    80
    This still isn’t the kind of music that you’ll hear looped on adverts or behind sporting highlights, but instead simple, affecting songs that use the human heart as an instrument as surely as acoustic guitars.
  3. The Guardian
    80
    This new album picks up exactly where the Kings left off, with warm melodies and exquisitely detailed ruminations.
  4. Q Magazine
    70
    Sweet, nostalgic and relishing the strength of words softly spoken. [Aug 2004, p.112]
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  5. Uncut
    70
    Another bittersweet, finger-picked confection that shows their chemistry is still there. [Jul 2004, p.101]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Hushed vocals, strummed guitars, creeping cello, and an all-encompassing sense of politeness are the order of the day. [19 Jun 2004, p.57]
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  7. Alternative Press
    40
    Weak. [Sep 2004, p.140]
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See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. BertL
    Sep 27, 2009
    10
    The albums released by Kings Of Convenience have been some of the most beautiful and mis-understood of this decade. Critics seem to miss the The albums released by Kings Of Convenience have been some of the most beautiful and mis-understood of this decade. Critics seem to miss the obvious point that they want their music to sound like it sounds, and they inforce their own production restrictions, to keep it to the minimum needed. It's the same with Erlend's other project, The Whitest Boy Alive, ctics seem to thing that their chosen minimalism is some sort of lack of song writing ability or effort, but in their case less is definately more. But it really doesn't matter what the critics say, these albums go out and are played for years by people, as their soothing, haunting melodies are timeless and don't need the usual hype that today's music relies on. They're just great, simple songs.… Expand
  2. AshleyG
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    Just a brilliant album just as good as their Quiet album. Though this one is more upbeat it still completely the sound of Kings of Just a brilliant album just as good as their Quiet album. Though this one is more upbeat it still completely the sound of Kings of Convenience. I love it!… Collapse
  4. FrancescoA
    Jul 28, 2004
    10
    Simply wonderful. Romanti, melancolic, hushed and with beautiful melodies. Sad but warm.
  5. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    My favirote album of the past five years, no joke. This album doesn't seem to be understood by critics, its the perfect mix of folk, My favirote album of the past five years, no joke. This album doesn't seem to be understood by critics, its the perfect mix of folk, jazz, and shoegaze. The instrumentation is gold.… Expand
  6. RC
    Aug 12, 2004
    9
    An excellent follow to a great album. Has not left my car cd since I picked it up. Two soft voices blended in perfection.
  7. AshleyM
    Sep 1, 2004
    9
    I really love this album. It's melancholy and awkward and simply lovely in its simplicity. The only critic being that there's not I really love this album. It's melancholy and awkward and simply lovely in its simplicity. The only critic being that there's not much in the way of groundbreaking. But sometimes that's perfect.… Expand
  8. LawrenceP
    Aug 1, 2004
    7
    Their best so far. Alot of S&G going on, but still good. I still think they should go the electronic route.

See all 17 User Reviews

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