Seraph
by Mas Ysa
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2015
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Exclaim
    Jul 24, 2015
    90
    Thomas Arsenault manages to convincingly combine his penchant for heart-on-your-sleeve lyricism and dance floor oriented-beats to craft an almost-perfect collection of nostalgia-tinged pop songs.
  2. The 405
    Aug 12, 2015
    80
    Sometimes, plucking a dandelion from between the cracks of the sidewalk, "just because", is transcendent. And Seraph is one of the prettiest damn dandelions in quite some time.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jul 30, 2015
    80
    Emotional, stunning and one of the strongest debuts of the year so far.
  5. Consequence
    Jul 24, 2015
    75
    While Seraph is a consistent debut, there is nothing here as immediately drawing as “Why” or “Shame” from the Worthy EP. But Arsenault holding back is still more emotive than most artists firing on all cylinders.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jul 24, 2015
    71
    Seraph might be shifty, but Arsenault still works with blunt force.
  7. PopMatters
    Jul 27, 2015
    70
    Things that seem random the moment they first appear but are really meticulously placed in an effort to create something truly graceful and charming.
  8. Magnet
    Aug 12, 2015
    65
    Tense and dramatic from the get-go, Seraph hardly changes tack over its next 11 songs. [No. 123, p.61]
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  9. Uncut
    Jul 28, 2015
    50
    There are plenty of good ideas here, but plenty of bad ones, too. [Sep 2015, p.77]
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  10. Under The Radar
    Jul 24, 2015
    40
    Too much of the record comprises exhausting dancehall ballads.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Nedloh94
    Jul 25, 2015
    9
    Mas Ysa stems from the same vein as artists like Youth Lagoon, Memory Tapes, and even a little bit of Panda Bear. Electronically driven, yetMas Ysa stems from the same vein as artists like Youth Lagoon, Memory Tapes, and even a little bit of Panda Bear. Electronically driven, yet never devoid of soul or emotion, Seraph, building off of the excellent Worth EP, is a friendly record that's not necessarily pushing any boundaries, but still taking plenty opportunities to surprise. Thomas Arsenault has an ear for infectious songwriting and production, drawing from a diverse sonic palette, and employing a wide array of techniques and ideas to keep this album fresh the whole way through. Arsenault is developing a very unique artistic voice, whose work is adventurous and experimental, yet never alienating, nor too obtuse for his own good. Though, Seraph isn't entirely cohesive, the album remains a satisfying follow up to a promising EP, and sows the seeds for a promising discography.… Full Review »
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