Spiral
by Darkside
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jul 23, 2021
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 20, 2021
    60
    While Spiral, like Psychic, includes moments of virtuosic integration – songcraft complemented by innovative sonics, innovative sonics contextualized by songcraft – there are other (and more) moments where the album seems to lack a unifying aesthetic.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Jul 20, 2021
    60
    Wwhile Jaar and Harrington assemble a worthy array of mesmerizing sounds on Spiral, a larger, more compelling vision eludes them.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Dunsweet21
    Aug 5, 2021
    0
  2. ThaDevilofRome
    Aug 1, 2021
    7
    Nothing boundary pushing here but this new collaborative project from Nicolas Jaar is something special. The album is quite meditative atNothing boundary pushing here but this new collaborative project from Nicolas Jaar is something special. The album is quite meditative at times, not so much as "Space is Only Noise", but still relaxing and psychedelic. There are some really interesting moments present here, such as Liberty Bell, Lawmaker, I'm the Echo. It is not the most captivating release of the year so far but still an expansive listen. You will find yourself lost in the music at times if you choose to engage.… Full Review »
  3. Clueful
    Jul 23, 2021
    9
    I rarely disagree this sharply with the critic’s consensus. This album shimmers with modern ingenuity. Achieves what Floyd could’ve done givenI rarely disagree this sharply with the critic’s consensus. This album shimmers with modern ingenuity. Achieves what Floyd could’ve done given newer technology. Jaar has harnessed the untamed experimentation from Cenizas and injected with the needed soul and structure - while being just as bold, if not more in how it explores soundscapes. Harrington also proves himself once again to be one of the most original guitarist to date. Shows off he is more than capable of both virtuoso as well as mind bending experimental use without being a pure gimmick. While it doesn’t contain another “Paper Trails” in the sense of a instantly iconic single track. It achieves something much more complete as an album. Easily the best album thus far in 2021.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »