Static
by Cults
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Uncut
    Dec 6, 2013
    60
    Static's production is bright and punchy, which has the unintended effect of sabotaging softer moments. [Jan 2014, p.73]
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  2. Mojo
    Nov 22, 2013
    60
    There's a sense that such modishly retro melancholia might have had its moment, but given that a yearning for what's been lost shades Static so starkly, that notion can only enhance the mood. [Dec 2013, p.85]
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Nov 21, 2013
    60
    While the songs are hella catchy and pleasant, a little more grit and sorrow would have bridged the emotional disconnect.
  5. No Ripcord
    Oct 16, 2013
    60
    Static is remarkably self-assured and meticulously produced, but such traits cannot disguise its throwback trappings. It’s hard to look away from its unfortunate backstory, and the music never really makes a point to consider it outside of its context.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 15, 2013
    60
    It’s a credit to Cults that Static is such an enticing initial listen; no one now is pulling the retro Spector treatment with as much stylistic confidence as they are. Over time, though, Static becomes more of the same, that doomed relationship that your friend just won’t get over.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    It’s an album about what happens next rather than looking back. They might be a band in thrall to the 1960s but this is a record that tells us to live in the now.
  8. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 14, 2013
    58
    Static lacks variety. It’s just a short-fused, gloomy rehash, and what little has been changed isn’t really an improvement.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. WadeVS
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    With the breakup of their professional relationship Madeline and Brian have consolidated their sound using their breakup as fodder for thisWith the breakup of their professional relationship Madeline and Brian have consolidated their sound using their breakup as fodder for this amazingly strong and decisive album. The tracks go from strength to strength, drawing you in and giving you an honest glimpse pf what happened. It never feels sordid. Its dark, catchy and damn likable. Excellent second album.… Full Review »
  2. tmaxwell
    Oct 17, 2013
    8
    Cults have decidedly taken the low road with their trebbly pop shimmered laxigazical release Static. Static is a pretty good name for thisCults have decidedly taken the low road with their trebbly pop shimmered laxigazical release Static. Static is a pretty good name for this album, especially when you consider the duo broke up as a couple but remained a band in between the release of their debut and this sophomore effort. I may be an old school tight shirt, but this fits right in with the likes of Ride, MBV and Red House Painters, which I really dig. The fact is, Cults is living in the past. Not because their music is old or recalls the oldies, but almost as if the oldies could have been started on a different path, starting with Cults. Cults could have been a band that bands of today cite as that real spark of inspiration, which is what makes their music intriguing and new, but oh so old. I will be spinning for much of the fall. Admittedly, this is a good album, but 5 years from now I'm much more likely to spin their debut than this album.… Full Review »
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