Smother - Wild Beasts
Smother Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 59 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The British quartet releases its follow-up to its 2010 Mercury Prize-nominated album Two Dancers, produced by Richard Formby.
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. BBC Music
    May 9, 2011
    100
    They are, right now, the most inspirational, intriguing, effortlessly enrapturing band at work on these shores. And Smother might well prove to be the album of 2011.
  2. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    80
    In every way, it's alive, but mostly, it's alive with possibility. [Jun 2011, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Resident Advisor
    Aug 1, 2011
    80
    It's hard to argue with the result anyway: Its slow build and aching vocals stand out as a purposeful moment of perfection on a record chock full of them.
  4. Under The Radar
    May 16, 2011
    60
    As Wild Beasts records tend to go, Smother is par for the course in terms of its opulent eccentricities and its magnificently polished arrangements. This time around, though, the Beasts have been tamed. Frankly, that's a disappointment.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. chris8027
    10
    I wasn't too excited when the first single Albatross came out, but once I listened whole album I was amazed, this gem wrapped me instantly and once I listened I couldn't leave it. I'm a fan of this guys since limbo panto (rare and beautiful album, kinda underrated I think). Smother is an intimate album, stunning and beautiful from the first track 'lion's share' - hayden thorpe voice is really over the top in this album - to the glorious last track 'end come too soon'. I could say now that every single track is a highlight by itself, although my favorites are bed of nails and loop the loop. I don't think there would possibly be another release even close to this, best album of the year so far, these guys deserve all the recognition, wild beasts got me once again..I just wish I could see them live once.… Expand
  2. hydrawithears
    8
    If you are in a band and cite Kate Bush as an influence, you could not be more welcomed. Smother, the third album by Wild Beasts, the avant-gardists of British indie rock, is their best and most even release yet. Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming share the mike to achieve something spectacular yet introverted. Do not expect a killer like Hooting & Howling from 2009 glorified Two Dancers. Instead, get ready for a puzzling experience that will keep you in high spirits. There is still a lot to say and discover in rock! Very sensual and erotic, Smother is where dream pop and electronica meet to astounding results.… Expand
  3. Ricko
    7
    Solid album from experimental Indie group. First Wild Beasts records I've heard - reminds me a bit of Antony and the Johnsons but with a little bit of mild synths/electronica thrown in. If you threw the aforementioned band into a pot with the Antlers and Hot Chip you might get a taste resembling this. A nice listen not sure if I'd splash the cash on it though. Strangely the opening and closing tracks are my favourites. The album is a gentle one overall but these 2 tracks are not only gentle but achingly beautiful.… Expand
  4. therealmogwai
    4
    Not as strong or diverse as previous album two dancers. Sounds like a band running through the paces. Doesn't have the impact of their previous work. Its time for a change.… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

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