The Menace
by Elastica
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 22, 2000
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Billboard
    60
    Another satisfying collection of quick, riff-happy new wave/punk rock that, while no match for its first album, was nonetheless worth the wait.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    While sleek, skilled production on The Menace keeps their tightly wound new wave tracks from sounding dated, Frischmann's lackluster (often tuneless) songwriting stutters.
  3. Neumu.net
    50
    Elastica throw out crackling melodies with little regard for the listener.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Without the gritty substance of the first album, it has all the depth of a packet of peanuts.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Compared to the angular new wave of yore, the Elastica sound has matured into something far more interesting.
  7. Spin Cycle
    60
    There are hints of the stuttered hooks that snared listeners on the band's '95 debut, yet they're so snarled in manic sound, you're unsure whether you're being grabbed or gagged.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2000
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 17, 2004
    6
    Let's face it: Elastica is over. This CD isn't bad, but not good enough to merit a five-year gap between their classic first album Let's face it: Elastica is over. This CD isn't bad, but not good enough to merit a five-year gap between their classic first album and this (I'd guess was due to Justine Frischmann's heroin problems). Buy the first album, burn this. … Full Review »
  2. BeauK
    Oct 19, 2002
    10
    Witht he release of "The Menace" Elastica has finally gripped onto what seems to be their best album yet. Delivering both a familiar and yet Witht he release of "The Menace" Elastica has finally gripped onto what seems to be their best album yet. Delivering both a familiar and yet matured eruption of less jagged punk sounds, they have learned to vary their songs and still appease the old fan.… Full Review »
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