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It's mildly disappointing that the Futureheads' first independently released music sounds more conventional than what they issued on other labels, but This Is Not the World is still a solidly enjoyable album on its own terms.
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While neither as frenetic as the group's debut or as stylistically curious as Tributes, World boasts smart pop sensibilities all the same.
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UncutThere are fewer surprises here than on previous offerings, but enough ideas to cement their position as this generation's most creative guitar band. [June 2008, p.90]
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The Futureheads are the Futureheads on their third full-length, This Is Not the World--rhythmically anxious, melodically electrifying, and almost mechanically precise.
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MojoTheir third album is a confident return with staccato guitar/vocal interplay re-infused with wit and mechanical melodies. [June 2008, p.106]
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Q MagazineThe Futureheads have found their way back by making their most emphatic statement yet. [June 2008, p.144]
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The Futureheads have defeated the machine at its own game and made a record that’s every bit as vibrant and vital as their 2004 debut.
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It is, amazingly, surprisingly, spectacularly, their best record yet.
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Under The RadarThey’re just songs that indicate a band here to stay, mining (and reinventing) post-punk with increasing dexterity. [Summer 2008]
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What begins as an exhilarating return to form turns into a desperate plea to be loved.
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It’s one almighty journey through realms uncharted by The Futureheads thus far, and it’s done in fine form.
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The Futureheads are as right-on as they've ever been.
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This Is Not The World isn't quite the breathless playground once populated by robots and carnival kids, but 'Think Tonight' possesses a fist-pumping riff that's one piano short of an Andrew W.K. song. [July 2008, p.96]
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'Think Tonight' is only one of several strong numbers on This is Not the World. In fact, it’s easy to imagine the Futureheads as just a classic tune or two away from breakthrough status.
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Since the Futureheads are a talented bunch of lads (who will hopefully live to fight again), some nuances do manage to leak through.... Sadly, the rest of the record tends to blur together, an unmemorable mass of whoo-alright.
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Their sound is as big and manic as it’s always been, and the melodies as infectious, but the content slinks away from even the prickly personal politics that populated their first singles.
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Alternative PressWhat matters is The Futureheads have made significant artistic and personal inroads to make sure their fans' enthusiasm rises to match theirs. [July 2008, p.158]
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This self-released third record sees them right back on form.
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Even as the band grow tighter, their insecurity deepens. That's not prevented them from making a fine record which is loaded with instantly memorable hooks.
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This Is Not the World sounds more like a Buzzcocks record--a merry collection of punk cut-ups.
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Not much has changed in the futureheads world as, post their major-label career, they bounce-back with independently released third album.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 6 out of 6
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Mixed: 0 out of 6
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Negative: 0 out of 6
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tcJun 4, 2008
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TimFJun 3, 2008Mildly dissappointing when compared to their debut but still fun and poppy enough to become obsessed with. overall at least worth a few listens.
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OrlandoFlowersJun 3, 2008