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The New Folk Implosion Image
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: Lou Barlow (Sebadoh) is still the heart of The Folk Implosion, but on the lo-fi band's fourth full-length release, his supporting cast has changed. Gone is co-founder and writing partner John Davis; in his place are Sebadoh drummer Russ Pollard and Alaska guitarist Imaad Wassif.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Nothing here is as generous as the hooks found on the band's sole hit (you may remember "Natural One" from the Kids soundtrack), but there's plenty of mournful rock for the mopers in the world.
  2. For impassioned Barlow fans, The New Folk Implosion's minute forward progress means a lot.
  3. Alternative Press
    70
    A rock record that sounds a lot like Sebadoh with an aspiring guitar hero. [Mar 2003, p.94]
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    Gone are most of the Beck-ish hip hop stylings, back is the bespoke indiecraft of spidery guitars, loose drums and oblique lyricism. [Mar 2003, p.108]
  5. And while its high points are nice and its low points aren't offensive, The New Folk Implosion is not the kind of album one would likely choose to listen to over the Pearl Jam and Paul Westerberg records that are similar and, frankly, better.
  6. The melodies are there, but they sure aren't catchy pop.
  7. Uncut
    40
    For Barlow stalwarts only. [Mar 2003, p.100]

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. OgtoF
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    Tout est bon.
  2. michaelm
    Mar 24, 2003
    2
    Very dull. Disappointing for Lou Barlow fans. Hoped for better but, got what I expected.