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The Soft Pack Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length album for the indie rock duo from San Diego, who were formerly called the Muslims.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. But for all the influences that rip through the LP, the youthful abandon recasts them for a new generation.
  2. Granted, The Soft Pack has knife-edged pop riffs and crooned vocals galore. But a closer probe reveals a knack for punky songcraft and caffeinated oomph that could have easily been inherited from fellow San Diego group Hot Snakes.
  3. The Soft Pack never sound cliche, but excitingly new, even if their influences can be clearly identified.
  4. Though Lamkin's monotone voice is not the most expressive instrument--it barely wavers whether the occasion calls for a Monks-style organ vamp ("Move Along") or a prom-night embrace ("Mexico")--each album side gradually ratchets up the tension and releases it through a raucous rave-up ("Pull Out" on side A, "Parasites" on side B) that successfully bridges the Soft Pack's Nuggets-schooled ethos with the modern-day discord of San Diegan patron saints Hot Snakes.
  5. Original it isn’t, but it trades innovation for let-loose fun, and wears its influences proudly.
  6. That it's derivative isn't that much of a stick to beat them with, though--they've produced 30 minutes of glossy, singalong, preppy pop-punk.
  7. Under The Radar
    30
    There's little to make them noticeable today. [Winter 2010, p.69]

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. VincentH
    Apr 12, 2010
    10
    This is one of the best albums I've listened to in a long time. "Answer to Yourself" is especially great to listen to. Give this band a This is one of the best albums I've listened to in a long time. "Answer to Yourself" is especially great to listen to. Give this band a chance and you won't be disappointed. Collapse
  2. AmirJ
    Mar 17, 2010
    9
    Magnificent album not one bad song on this gem if you area garage fan then definitely pick this up.
  3. Nick
    Apr 6, 2010
    8
    The Soft Pack have made the latest, and possibly last, great rock
  4. ChrisS
    Feb 9, 2010
    4
    Not really sure why this band should get such rave reviews. This isn't very original. For every "parasites" with its catchy yet gimmicky Not really sure why this band should get such rave reviews. This isn't very original. For every "parasites" with its catchy yet gimmicky vocal "Ahwahwahaha" refrain you also get trite chord progressions of songs such as "Answer to Yourself". More retro garage rock generics. Expand