• Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Feb 14, 2012
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. Mar 2, 2012
    80
    As such, those looking for an eerily familiar--and often brilliant--throwback to the sounds of 1972, please enquire within.
  2. Mar 1, 2012
    76
    The Russian Wilds is hardly going to shock you to the core, but it's a more than able record by one of the most consistently strong groups in its genre.
  3. Feb 23, 2012
    90
    This is pure, un-concentrated psychedelic boogie rock rooted in West Coast mysticism, Stax R&B and Memphis blues without pretext or pretense.
  4. Feb 21, 2012
    79
    The Russian Wilds is a demonstrative bid for being taken seriously, and these guys simply exhibit too much enthusiasm to be relegated to mere also-rans in the long shadow of Miller's previous band.
  5. Feb 17, 2012
    64
    The Russian Wilds strives for timelessness, but sounds temporally adrift.
  6. Feb 16, 2012
    70
    The Russian Wilds captures the magic of on-stage jamming.
  7. 80
    The group manages to rise above many of their stereotypical, unoriginal contemporaries by featuring plenty of surprises and innovation (although there is still a very recognizable grounding throughout).
  8. Feb 14, 2012
    80
    The Russian Wilds is Howlin Rain's most accessible recording, but enormous ambition and musical mastery of rock & roll's mighty past make it an essential one, too.
  9. Feb 14, 2012
    80
    The inspirations and pot-dream idealism may be retro; the zeal and momentum are not.
  10. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2012
    80
    Ambitious, soulful and joyous. [Apr 2012, p.90]
  11. Uncut
    Mar 14, 2012
    80
    Fabulous stuff all round. [Apr 2012, p.79]
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Apr 26, 2012
    7
    Although the vocals of Ethan Miller gives the album "The Russian Wilds" rock character, despite the presence of classical compositions suchAlthough the vocals of Ethan Miller gives the album "The Russian Wilds" rock character, despite the presence of classical compositions such as: "Self Made Man", much more melodic "Dark Side" or the ballad "Can not Satisfy Me now "- the album is also influenced by blues , as can be seen even in a subdued "Walking Through Stone". Howlin' Rain on the album serves us also jazzy "... Still Walking, Still Stone" and a nod to the compositions that are simple essence of classic rock ("College"). Full Review »