The Big Roar
by The Joy Formidable
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2011
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. NOW Magazine
    Mar 31, 2011
    60
    It's dizzying, and you'll want off at times, but you'll likely ask to ride again.
  2. The Guardian
    Feb 11, 2011
    60
    Its shortcomings are thrown into relief by its brisk and taut successor, The Magnifying Glass. After 50 minutes of unyielding assault, The Big Roar will leave the uncommitted whimpering.
  3. Uncut
    Feb 14, 2011
    60
    Under the bluster, though, frontman Ritzy Bryan adds a consistent emotional intensity best heard on "Cradle," reminiscent ofg Lush at their most bruised and bruising. [Mar 2011, p.93]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Jun 8, 2011
    50
    Unfortunately, The Big Roar can't sustain the love affair over 12 tracks. [May 2011, p.85]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Hackskeptic
    Mar 19, 2011
    9
    The hardened, accelerated riffs and floor thudding bass rhythms bear a resemblance to their early 90s influences, but with Ritzy Bryan'sThe hardened, accelerated riffs and floor thudding bass rhythms bear a resemblance to their early 90s influences, but with Ritzy Bryan's powerful melodies there's an ambitious aesthetic that encompasses Indie/pop. The amalgam of slow burning intensity and primal, explosive head numbing power is pitched just right, and is fully realized on the magnificent "Whirring". http://hackskeptic.com… Full Review »
  2. Twinhammers
    Apr 14, 2011
    10
    This is not a versatile album, in the sense that you won't be given a whole lot of breathing room, but The Joy Formidable succeed inThis is not a versatile album, in the sense that you won't be given a whole lot of breathing room, but The Joy Formidable succeed in out-muscling the tattooed guitar bands who undeservedly carry that reputation. And before you think them another possible product for frat-house drunkards, take note that "The Big Roar" handles its big roar with more elegance, agility and grace than we are accustomed to hearing from electric instruments. And who would be ballsy enough to start an album, let alone the sets of their current tour, with an anthem, "The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie", that pushes nearly eight minutes? But after, there is no letdown. The Welsh trio has the energy and the smarts to continue their pulsating adrenaline rush for another forty. The loud and aggressive guitars and bass are pillowed atop such lovely ambiance that a full play-through leads to a feeling not unlike a waking dream. So it can be forgiven if, at the end of the album's closing stunner "The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade", you choose to re-submerge into their imagined world rather than, once again, taking on your own.… Full Review »
  3. orphananthem86
    May 12, 2013
    10
    This band I had first heard about when they preformed on last call. After listening to "A Balloon Called Moaning" I decided to check out theThis band I had first heard about when they preformed on last call. After listening to "A Balloon Called Moaning" I decided to check out the Big Roar. I was very impressed with their sound and how much I liked this album. They have a very alternative rock sound. From the first track "The Ever Changing Spectrum of a Lie", the album captures you. I would strongly recommend this to any alternative rock fan as a great album. Can't wait to see what they do next!… Full Review »
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