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The Noise Made By People - Broadcast
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Puncture
    90
    Broadcast revel in a compelling slowness, even at their most cheery, with melodies just beyond sing-along enveloped in soft basslines and fizzing samples. [#46, p.28]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    An album so autonomous and remote it sounds like it's being beamed from a deep-space probe.
  3. Sonicnet
    80
    At first audition, Broadcast is disposable John Barry-inspired pop drenched in overcharged organs, egregious electronic overproduction and languorous vocals that somehow have no residue.
  4. All Music Guide
    80
    A collection of more shimmering, weightless pop that is nostalgic for yesterday's visions of the future but remains on the cutting edge of contemporary music.
  5. Salon.com
    80
    Broadcast manipulate their equipment to give the music the rangy pulse of jazz. It's electronic, but not shot full of skittering beats. The extra charge comes from the girl out front.
  6. Mojo
    80
    Imagine the Bronte sisters trying to play Yo La Tengo music on Air's instruments with Joe Meek producing.
  7. Ink Blot Magazine
    80
    Harkens back to the European pop of the '50s and '60s.
  8. Pitchfork
    78
    There's a prevailing sense of definite vision, but not one of the product being excessively labored over. Sure, there's craft at work here, but whereas most albums recorded over long periods of time sound weary and defeated in the final analysis, The Noise Made by People is positively vibrant and alive.
  9. CDNow
    70
    The debut offering from England's Broadcast cascades over the listener like a lush film score.
  10. The A.V. Club
    70
    Broadcast's strange mix of electric keyboards, sampled strings, soundtrack chic, and Trish Keenan's coolly regulated vocals offering hypnotic chill-out music for the new century.
  11. Q Magazine
    60
    Broadcast are detached and austere, but mesmerised by their discoveries in the radiophonic workshop. Current single Echo's Answer and the unusually upbeat Come On Let's Go are the best places to start, but this is a classic case of an album working as a whole. Hard work, but compelling.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. hydrawithears
    10
    The Noise Made by People is the first proper album by the English retro-futurists Broadcast. And it is also one of their best. The Noise gets its excellence in two elements: the usage of analogue techniques with modern recording and the haunting vocals by the late Trish Keenan. Her voice seems to guide us through the bleak mood of the songs like a light in the tunnel. A rather feeble light indeed. The band’s fascination with the ’60s is obvious, yet the group’s sound is as innovative as it is unique. Few chords and one can easily recognise Broadcast. Various electronic effects enrich their tracks without making them chaotic and incoherent. The album has no lows and plenty of highs. Echo’s Answer is simultaneously delicate and astounding, and if you listen carefully you might hear the abyss recorded. The more direct Papercuts introduce a joyous vibe. And finally whenever I hear You Can Fall the song sends shivers down my spine. A perfect score for a low-budget sci-fi? As long as it is cult classic.… Full Review »
  2. kristo68
    9
    When I was a kid, watching UFO, and Captain Scarlet, and Blake's 7, I fully expected to be living in space by this time. Clearly Broadcast are. If Francois Truffaut made a movie on a space station, Broadcast would be the house band.… Full Review »
  3. JimB
    9
    Love this band! Love this album!-"Come On Let's Go" was clearly one of the best singles of 2000. This gem is cinematic,highly melodic,seductively eerie and a great late-night listen.… Full Review »
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