The Western Lands
by Gravenhurst
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2007
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8

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  1. DavidR.
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    An incredible album. Doesn't sacrifice any of the dark charm that previous releases had in abundance. However, Gravenhurst take the plunge and broaden their sonic spectrum in order to avoid even a hint of drag. Every song has something to love but for me, the highlights are 'Hourglass', 'Trust' and the title track.
  2. AlexisM.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    Extremely beautiful and cohesive album. Has to be one of the best this year. I agree with the New York Magazine review: 'Notice it now or wait until people start hailing it as a lost classic in a decade's time.' It's that good.
  3. WillC
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Absolutely stunning album. I'd describe them as a mix between Radiohead and Mogwai. The finest band to come from Bristol since Massive Attack and Portishead. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    90
    This is the kind of album you can live with and hear new things in with each listen, and proves that the album is an art form that still has plenty of life in it.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Talbot’s vocals mix with the music about them to become another instrument proper; messages are lost in the murk, but the fug’s an appealing blur nonetheless.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    The Western lands proffers a winning cocktail of shimmering guitar harmonics, grand sweeping choruses, drums that avoid funk like the plague and solemn, psychogeographi lyrics from the Ian Curtis school. [Oct 2007, p.94]
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