Universes
by Seven Davis Jr.
Metascore
75

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
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 27, 2015
    80
    The results might sound something like north California-based DJ/songwriter/producer/singer Seven Davis Jr’s diverse yet cohesive debut.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jul 24, 2015
    80
    While the music he creates on Universes is not quite from another planet, there’s definitely a spirit of exploration that makes it a joyous listen throughout.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jul 23, 2015
    80
    Universes builds on that vibe [of a late-night P.A. set] with exuberant bangers full of snappy, discofied drums, repetitive phrases and dusty funk that could fit nicely into a DJ set of classic Philly soul re-edits or slickly produced tracks from the current UK garage revival.
  5. The Quietus
    Jul 23, 2015
    80
    Universes is not quite grasping the heights of the Horsehead Nebula, but the novelty of Seven's poly-genred bravura certainly leaves it reaching in that direction. If you're looking for a happy medium between well-crafted house and happy-go-lucky slur-along songs, take some direction from this man, because he does it with serious panache.
  6. Mixmag
    Jul 23, 2015
    80
    Comparisons to Moodymann, Dilla and Theo Parrish have been forthcoming, but Davis Jr's vista spreads wider.
  7. Resident Advisor
    Aug 11, 2015
    76
    Though his abilities with oddball party jams are unquestionable, Davis proves he can be equally compelling when he tones it down a notch.
  8. Pitchfork
    Jul 23, 2015
    76
    Throughout it all, his arrangements burst with a vitality that belies their modest construction. The sounds may be humble, not that much more hi-fi than his early demos, but their vision of funk as lifeblood is never anything less than radiant.
  9. Uncut
    Jul 28, 2015
    70
    What could be esoteric electronica is lifted by Davis' creamy, often harmonised baritone voice. [Sep 2015, p.72]
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  10. Drowned In Sound
    Jul 27, 2015
    70
    While Universes never quite reaches the heights that might be sought by this confident-sounding producer, there can be no denying that this is one of 2015’s boldest electronic releases, and that it deserves to be one of its foremost too.
  11. Clash Music
    Jul 23, 2015
    70
    With one eye on America's rich musical history and one on the future of dance, if his formula needs to be tweaked, it is only by a little.
  12. The Guardian
    Jul 23, 2015
    60
    Davis still sounds best when sticking to the instrumental mode of his thumping 2014 PARTY EP. Nonetheless, Universes is a warm, danceable introduction to an artist with plenty of sonic tricks up his sleeve.
  13. Exclaim
    Jul 23, 2015
    60
    Seven Davis Jr's debut attempts to stay afloat on the strength of a few strong tracks, but ends up sounding stretched a little too thin.

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