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Shackles Gift Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Bristol-based rock band was produced by Andrew Hung of Fuck Buttons.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Feb 3, 2015
    90
    The polished finish on the production, from Fuck Buttons member Andrew Hung, is also notable on this great effort from Zun Zun Egui, an album conducive to many repeat listens.
  2. Jan 22, 2015
    90
    This is a difficult album to find fault with--not only on an immediate, aesthetic level, but also on a more considered, objective one.
  3. Jan 26, 2015
    85
    Shackles' Gift was born in Maritius, yet constructed in London, it's as indebted to the past as it is to the present and it's to the band's credit that they understand that completely.
  4. Jan 22, 2015
    80
    A command of melodies and songwriting ensures that it all fits together wonderfully, throwing a party for the world.
  5. Q Magazine
    Jan 23, 2015
    80
    Shackles' Gift can sound grandly expansive, yet it's also locked into its own little world, thinking global, acting loco. [Feb 2015, p.117]
  6. Jan 23, 2015
    80
    An early contender for one of 2015’s most welcome returns.
  7. Jan 22, 2015
    60
    Shackles Gift reveals a tougher, more concise group than before; though, on the likes of opener Rigid Man and I Want You To Know, they appear to have morphed into--to these ears at least--a less interesting proposition: a relatively straightforward rock band.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Feb 7, 2015
    9
    Love it! This album cannot get lost amongst all the other big releases of Janaury. its got it. Check it out. Really good songs, great playing,Love it! This album cannot get lost amongst all the other big releases of Janaury. its got it. Check it out. Really good songs, great playing, psych and industrial. Expand
  2. Feb 8, 2015
    9
    This album makes me feel alive and strong. Its angular, has groove and interesting textures and varied emotions. Real big step up from theirThis album makes me feel alive and strong. Its angular, has groove and interesting textures and varied emotions. Real big step up from their previous work. I am interested in what they will do next. Expand
  3. Feb 13, 2015
    9
    Zun Zun Egui’s second effort “Shackles’ Gift”, is a terrific, cohesive piece of work that shines with songwriting brilliancy and musicalZun Zun Egui’s second effort “Shackles’ Gift”, is a terrific, cohesive piece of work that shines with songwriting brilliancy and musical complexity.

    A very immediate but carefully crafted album, which transcends musical boundaries and showcases the maturity of a band that is constantly moving forward.

    Kushal Gaya’s voice impresses for its large range and originality, in which his Mauritian roots meet a post-punk sensibility that shakes you with power and dynamics.
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  4. Feb 5, 2015
    7
    Bombastic instrumentation, pristine production, and clever songwriting makes this the number one tropicalia-influenced funk-rock album ofBombastic instrumentation, pristine production, and clever songwriting makes this the number one tropicalia-influenced funk-rock album of January 2015. Highly recommended. Expand