Ultraista
by Ultraista
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Magnet
    Dec 4, 2012
    40
    At its worst (most of it), it's layered synth sounds with beats and vocals smacking of a manufactured sexiness, all designed to hide the gaping void where memorable songwriting should be. [No. 93, p.59]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 21, 2012
    60
    Godrich's production gives the album exquisite depth but also smothers its soul. [Dec 2012, p.114]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Nov 7, 2012
    50
    It's a wallflower of an album, pretty, nice, but lacking the inspiration needed to lift it beyond the mundane.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 5, 2012
    60
    An album more likely to inspire admiration than love, then, but still smart enough to deserve plenty of it.
  6. PopMatters
    Nov 2, 2012
    60
    Ultraísta is inventive but it overloads on likeness and similarity. There's enough here to warrant several listens and maybe even an impulse purchase but not quite enough to suggest that a follow-up record is necessary.
  7. The Guardian
    Nov 1, 2012
    60
    The album sounds weirdly uniform, the over-similarity perhaps the result of avoiding choruses in favour of repetitive mantras.
  8. Uncut
    Oct 26, 2012
    60
    Ultraista never quite shake off the sense of a session-muso studio supergroup dressing down in indie clothes. [Dec 2012, p.78]
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  9. Rolling Stone
    Oct 19, 2012
    60
    Full of dazzling arrangements and killer beats. Memorable songs? Not so much.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Ricko
    May 26, 2020
    8
    As a Radiohead, Atoms for Peace and general Thom Yorke enthusiast, I always have some interest in Nigel Godrich's projects. This brought meAs a Radiohead, Atoms for Peace and general Thom Yorke enthusiast, I always have some interest in Nigel Godrich's projects. This brought me to this album, a self titled debut from a type of supergroup going under the name Ultraista. This also had the added bonus of Joey Waronker. With 2 members of Atoms for Peace, there is inevitably a similarity in style but instead of Thom Yorke's frantic musings we have more smooth silk of Laura Bettinson's vocals. It brings the cut up percussion and synths up in a different light. Of course there is the downside that this record lacks the genius of Yorke's songwriting to elevate the vibes created into something truly special, not to mention the presence of his truly unique vocal delivery. I really enjoy this record, I think it has a distinct sound that I love. You could listen to the drum and bass riffs all day. The synths are somewhat repetitive which results in many of the tracks sounding too alike but on the plus side it is this sound that gives the overall album its appealing texture and feel.… Full Review »
  2. WindJackal
    Jan 10, 2014
    10
    The album is just gorgeous. Laura Bettinsons vocals are amazing and the music is beautiful. Every song is a joy to listen. Easily one of theThe album is just gorgeous. Laura Bettinsons vocals are amazing and the music is beautiful. Every song is a joy to listen. Easily one of the best albums of 2012… Full Review »
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