Sistrionix
by Deap Vally
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
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  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    Oct 9, 2013
    80
    It’s a bit of a tightrope walk for any female rock stars though, retaining femininity while cranking up the amps and pushing the blues rock envelope right to the edge of the table, but Deap Vally sound and look like they know exactly what they’re about.
  2. AllMusic
    Jul 1, 2013
    80
    If there's a flaw here, it's that there's little change from song to song in pace and approach, but then, this is a duo built around simply hitting the pedal and going, clattering and thundering along, impossible to ignore.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jul 1, 2013
    80
    Sistrionix is a hugely enlivening 41 minutes of deliciously distorted vocals, instantly memorable fuzz-up guitar riffs, handclap breakdowns, and vicious put-downs of cheating lovers and sleazebags.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 24, 2013
    80
    It is a thoroughly unironic, seriously fun, rock record, in which seizing the day (well, the night), settling scores and the importance of making one's own money are explored in detail, with leering electric guitar and crashing kit.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 21, 2013
    80
    They’ve given the folk-drenched musical world of the last few years a well timed kick in the balls.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Jun 21, 2013
    80
    It’s immediate and hard-hitting in the same way as blues rock.
  8. PopMatters
    Oct 18, 2013
    70
    As a result all the dumb comparisons turn out to be irrelevant, and Sistrionix turns out to be a debut to be proud of.
  9. Alternative Press
    Oct 1, 2013
    70
    Guitarist Lindsey Troy's molten riffage and roaring voice-landing between Karen O and Brody Dalle--are paired perfectly with drummer Julie Edwards' wall-shaking bears on "Your Love's A Lie," which is as (not very) sensitive as this collections gets. [Nov 2013, p.88]
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  10. No Ripcord
    Jul 15, 2013
    70
    Yes, it’s been done before, but as much as there is to nitpick, there’s just as much to revel in.
  11. Clash Music
    Jun 26, 2013
    70
    With crisp cymbals, heavy guitars and gritty rock ‘n’ roll vocals, this album was meant for a pre-party party.
  12. Filter
    Oct 9, 2013
    62
    It’s 11 songs of nonstop, downright raunchy blues with lyrics that ooze malcontent and feminism.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Derezzination
    Jul 4, 2013
    5
    “Hate, is a parasite”, and this album is also slightly parasitical, but not in a good way. Opener “End of the World” is powerful, it presents“Hate, is a parasite”, and this album is also slightly parasitical, but not in a good way. Opener “End of the World” is powerful, it presents us with Deap Vally’s Californian scuzzy garage blues, that just so happens to have well done production and is far from low-fi, even though the fuzziness of the guitars calls out for it.

    It’s from here, where the album goes downhill, and only occasionally takes a break to catch it’s breath. “Baby I Call Hell”, is too cheesy for me to bear, and I don’t even find it funny cheesy. And “Walk of Shame” sounds like a shameless rip-off of The White Stripes and The Black Belles. That’s what Deap Vally are though, they are an unsatisfying blend of music and bands you have heard before.

    “Gonna Make My Own Money” is good, it’s still the strong single it was when it was released, but can’t make up for it surrounding blandness that is “Creeplife” and “Your Love”, despite on the former vocalist Lindsey Troy channels some Karen O and the later beginning with a raw un-produced and untouched drum track.

    “Bad for my Body” has a fairly strong chorus, but a really weak verse, that shows the lost potential of this band in their debut album. “Woman of Intention” starts of really great, a fuzzier Blood Red Shoes but looses itself in bad blues. But again, the chorus is strong, and I just wish the girls change this on their next outing.

    “Six Feet Under” closes the album, and album that feels like a heavy shopping bag filled with primarily cheap food with the occasional expensive choice because you wanted a treat. Yet, “Six Feet Under” comes close to redeeming the drab. It’s long and tasty, the vocals actually work here, the backing vocals work, everything here is solid and I can’t believe it sits on the same album, this feels like where Deap Vally are headed, and they’re already there.

    Overall the album is weak, but it shines in various places, especially in “Six Feet Under”.    … Full Review »
  2. MaxMoody
    Jun 22, 2014
    10
    Well, it is rough unadulterated Rock'n'Roll. So what's not to love.
    It is not complex, it is not symphonic songwriting, if you like that, you    Well, it is rough unadulterated Rock'n'Roll. So what's not to love.
    It is not complex, it is not symphonic songwriting, if you like that, you find it elsewhere.
    But, if you love honest Rock'n'Roll that screams, sweats and oozes of sexiness: Don't look further, let the music take you there!    … Full Review »
  3. WadeVS
    Oct 16, 2013
    6
    They are an interesting concept band, but little else. The sound wears thin after six tracks and you kind of don't care after that where theyThey are an interesting concept band, but little else. The sound wears thin after six tracks and you kind of don't care after that where they go................................................................… Full Review »
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