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Sketchy.
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Sketchy. Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release for the Oakland-based duo was mostly recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic, but was mixed remotely.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 24, 2021
    80
    ‘Sketchy’ takes the best, feral pulses from tUnE-yArDs’ DIY material and the richest sounds of later records in its doubling down on societal crises. If Garbus was worried about finding inspiration, she needn’t have been.
  2. The Skinny
    Mar 24, 2021
    80
    Despite its name, there’s nothing ambiguous about Tune-Yards’ return. They’re back with bombast and the permission to take a breather if it all gets too much.
  3. PopMatters
    Apr 16, 2021
    80
    Several songs address contemporary issues concerning race, personal responsibility, and generational guilt in oblique ways that make one think while having a groove on. It is meta-funk without the heavy bass and other genre tropes. The music is more experimental and strange, even while being rhythm-heavy. And the lyrics are avant-garde and innovative.
  4. Mojo
    Mar 24, 2021
    80
    By opening up melodically as well as rhythmically, Garbus and Brenner better reveal the big heart at the centre of Tune-Yards. [May 2021, p.87]
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  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 26, 2021
    80
    Sketchy is a bold album in so many ways but it’s also incredibly, comfortingly Tune-Yards: High energy, offbeat movements, looped vocals, powerful cries, incredible rhythms, a belief that fighting for what is right is the only option. It’s life affirming.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Apr 6, 2021
    80
    It's her incisive songwriting that makes her fifth LP a treat. [Apr 2021, p.73]
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  7. Exclaim
    Mar 24, 2021
    70
    Though drumming on tracks like "make it right." and "hypnotized" occasionally overpower the songwriting, the songs are redeemed by Garbus' vocal wizardry. In the verses, she meanders all over the scale in an offhand way, but dishes out a cathartic climax of soaring harmonies that make for some epic choruses.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. viniciusrss
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    A caconofia sonora característica de Merrill Garbus atinge novos patamares em Sketch. Guiado por coros, cores e composições delicadas, este éA caconofia sonora característica de Merrill Garbus atinge novos patamares em Sketch. Guiado por coros, cores e composições delicadas, este é o trabalho mais delicado e acessível do projeto até hoje. Destaque para “hypnotized”, “silence pt. 1” e “hold yourself” (certamente uma das melhores faixas de 2021 e da carreira de Garbus).… Expand
  2. AndreXDL23
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    Amazing as always! I love how Merrill and Nate try something new. Maybe the older fan don't like this new direction, but i think this is theAmazing as always! I love how Merrill and Nate try something new. Maybe the older fan don't like this new direction, but i think this is the most Tune Yards thing ever!! Don't only the musics are amazing, but the lyrics talk about important matters too, making your think about the world. I'm so addicted of this album, and the music clips are amazing too. Highlights for Be not afraid, Silence PT1, Nowhere man, Homewrecker, hypnotized and Hold yourself;… Expand
  4. Kebber10
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    This is looney, I‘m a fan.. the lead singer has a black voice but she‘s white.. and some of their other music is so technical its just looneyThis is looney, I‘m a fan.. the lead singer has a black voice but she‘s white.. and some of their other music is so technical its just looney the tunes the tunes yard smashes you with … Expand
  5. nehemias
    Mar 31, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the album is very identical to other albums of its style, nothing out of the ordinary… Expand

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