Sweet Sour
by Band of Skulls
  • Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Feb 14, 2012
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. AllMusic
    Feb 14, 2012
    70
    It's a much more focused and intriguing follow-up that may provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the guitar-bass-drums three-piece formula.
  2. Alternative Press
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    Powerful riffs and jangly choruses propel everything in between. [Mar 2012, p.94]
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  3. American Songwriter
    Mar 1, 2012
    70
    All in all, then, the record showcases a dynamism present but not fully realized on their critically acclaimed (and still excellent) debut.
  5. BBC Music
    Feb 8, 2012
    70
    They still have enough primitive power to brush past any road blocks, but they could do with tweaking their formula somewhat if they don't want to run out of gas.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 13, 2012
    75
    On Sweet Sour, Band Of Skulls show themselves to be well equipped to keep the garage blues/rock flame alive.
  7. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 9, 2012
    80
    Band of Skulls has made a new rock and roll classic.
  8. Consequence
    Feb 15, 2012
    70
    Band of Skulls' clean tone and unabashed take on rock positively scorches at every point on the album.
  9. Delusions of Adequacy
    Feb 14, 2012
    80
    It's an irrefutable example of boilerplate rock and roll, and it feels completely awesome.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    Feb 24, 2012
    83
    These Brits are still holding the Zippo-lighter torch aloft. [24 Feb 2012, p.77]
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  11. Magnet
    Mar 12, 2012
    70
    The trio continues mixing and mismatching, with both elements of Skulls' sound [Black Keys' rock and Radiohead's honey-eyed longing] feeling even more pronounced. [No. 85, p. 52]
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  12. musicOMH.com
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    So, leaner and more focused than their free-wheeling debut, Sweet Sour is a little gem in a sea of tired guitar bands looking for "something new."
  13. Paste Magazine
    Feb 14, 2012
    79
    The bottom-line is that these guys do what they do very, very well.
  14. The Boston Phoenix
    Feb 15, 2012
    63
    They are a hell of a band if you're looking for catchy rock with occasional sparks of brilliance.
  15. Uncut
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    Americanized rock'n'roll that sounds as modern as it does vintage 1970s and effortlessly blends AC/DC riffage, Fleetwood Mac AOR and White Stripes punk-blues pyrotechnics. [Mar 2012, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    7
    Band of Skulls has gained popularity mainly due to their indie rock "Friends", which is included on the soundtrack for the movie Twilight.Band of Skulls has gained popularity mainly due to their indie rock "Friends", which is included on the soundtrack for the movie Twilight. Like the aforementioned song, the latest LP - "Sour Sweet" greets us with stirring title track - which admittedly great introduces in climate of the album. Each composition is component of diverse, constantly changing arrangements - for ex. dark "Wanderluster" - with distinctive role of the guitar, punk "You're Not Pretty But You Got It Goin On" or swinging and lethargic "Close To Nowhere".… Full Review »
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