Silent Hour/Golden Mile [EP]
by Daniel Rossen
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2012
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Mar 20, 2012
    100
    Rossen proves he can stand on his own.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    Apr 18, 2012
    90
    The way the EP grows from song to song--with a seamless flow inherently added midway through creation--Silent Hour/Golden Mile never ceases to impress.
  3. Magnet
    Apr 11, 2012
    85
    [Rossen] passes on Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles' carefully manicured sprawl in favor of focus and immediacy. [No.86, p.57]
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  5. Beats Per Minute
    Mar 22, 2012
    82
    There is much one could say about how this EP compares to Rossen's past projects since that's all he's delivered to us, but he deserves more than that after accomplishing a great EP by himself.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    Mar 30, 2012
    80
    Rather than the stripped-down or lonely songs that so often accompany the bill of "solo effort," these five songs are as polished, highly wrought, ornamental--take your pick--as any on Veckatimest.
  7. CMJ
    Mar 28, 2012
    80
    Rossen's sprawling pop coupled with his subtly personal lyrics gives the album a bittersweet flavor that makes for some very impressive moments.
  8. Consequence
    Mar 22, 2012
    80
    Silent Hour/Golden Mile achieves exactly what a debut solo EP from one of the people behind one of the most acclaimed indie albums of the past few years should.
  9. Pitchfork
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    Rossen brings to this EP the meticulous craftsmanship we've come to expect from his work, but in Silent Hour he's created something rare: a rendering of isolation that feels sincere but never maudlin.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 19, 2012
    80
    Rossen is a master craftsman--and one of the best songwriters in modern rock--and with Silent Hour/Golden Mile he's set the bar tantalisingly high for Grizzly Bear's return.
  11. Under The Radar
    Mar 19, 2012
    80
    Ultimately they sound like Grizzly Bear numbers in miniature, which is a damn good thing. [#40, p.89]
  12. The Quietus
    Mar 28, 2012
    70
    All [tracks] are grand, and strong-hearted.
  13. AllMusic
    Mar 22, 2012
    70
    There's no mistaking the more personal vibe here, and on the whole Silent Hour/Golden Mile offers proof that Rossen's songs can stand proudly on their own.
  14. Exclaim
    Mar 20, 2012
    70
    A modest five-song EP, from its pared-down arrangements to its monochromatic album cover, Silent Hour/Golden Mile is a surprisingly cohesive release that begs for repeat spins.
  15. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 19, 2012
    70
    Yes it may be comfortable and familiar, but Silent Hour/Golden Mile is never samey.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. DiscoStu
    Dec 5, 2012
    10
    A beautiful, haunting record. I've always preferred Rossen's other projects to Grizzly Bear, where I think songs tend to become overstuffedA beautiful, haunting record. I've always preferred Rossen's other projects to Grizzly Bear, where I think songs tend to become overstuffed and fussed over. This EP and the last Department of Eagles record cement Rossen as my favorite songwriter currently working.… Full Review »
  2. LanceJL
    Mar 21, 2012
    10
    Its basically what you would expect from a member of grizzly bear going solo. And I mean that as a compliment. Once you listen to theIts basically what you would expect from a member of grizzly bear going solo. And I mean that as a compliment. Once you listen to the excellent track Saint Nothing you'll know exactly what I mean.… Full Review »
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