Strange Geometry - The Clientele
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. A hauntingly beautiful album with tender, melodic pop arrangements that really make a lasting impression.
  2. For anyone who's never heard The Clientele before, this is the record to get.
  3. The slight nods to accessibility and the decreased stylization might disappoint some of the faithful at first, but Strange Geometry grows more appealing with repeated listening.
  4. 86
    A brilliantly subtle string section and sparkling production make this walkabout even more visual and complex. [#17, p.102]
  5. The restraint the whole band shows, on this, their most finished and instantly effective album, becomes something more than respectable: the Clientele's commitment to their own sound has crystallized into something almost wonderful.
  6. Another understated near-masterpiece from a band that doesn't need to make a bang to make a deep impression.
  7. 80
    Beguiling. [Oct 2005, p.107]
  8. Despite a few sleepy moments on the album's second half, Strange Geometry has more flair and movement than Violet Hour, and perfects the band's ability to be uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time.
  9. It's an instant late-night classic that's a pleasure to stay awake for. [Dec 2005, p.119]
  10. Here's a band so fond of their particular brand of mid-tempo dream pop that they do not feel compelled to try anything else. At least they take the time to be particularly observant as they comb their territory.
  11. A more satisfying disc than its predecessors.
  12. Strange Geometry is something special to listen to; it feels like an album to treat yourself to as a reward for lovely deeds.
  13. With repeated listens, [Geometry] grows in stature, full of intriguing neo-psychedelia. [Oct 2005, p.121]
  14. 70
    The crisp production of Strange Geometry does give the group's more sedate inclinations a mild kick in the pants. [#70, p.89]
  15. The Clientele have crafted another lovely batch of tunes, perfect for autumnal introspection and wintry solitude -- but somehow it doesn't seem like enough.
  16. If you are not in the right mood, Strange Geometry sounds like pretty melodies, plenty of atmosphere, and not a whole let else.
  17. Strange Geometry is a comely piece of old-fashioned melancholy pop, but it can also quickly turn into sonic wallpaper if you have a wandering mind. [Dec 2005, p.202]
  18. A collection of overzealous pop songs consisting largely of recycled ideas.
  19. An album that lacks the band's trademark ebb and flow, Strange Geometry is just plain inferior to the Clientele's previous work.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. [Anonymous]
    10
    I have been waiting for an album like this since the 60s ended.
  2. michaelk
    9
    I'm a child of the 60's and the Clientele certainly bring back some great memories of that time .The songs are crisp and well thought out.Together with Coldplay good music lives on. Full Review »
  3. JC
    10
    The track bookends sum up the album: 'Since K Got Over Me' was single of the year. 'Six of Spades' contains a melody most other songwriters would repeat over and over to milk and convince you it is brilliant. The Clientele use it sparingly, so the song breaks up into a cloud of organs, leaving the listener wanting to repeat the whole album, just to earn this moment again. Full Review »