• Record Label: Wichita
  • Release Date: May 29, 2012
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Jul 25, 2012
    80
    In terms of popularity, the album is not likely to rival Attack Decay Sustain Release. It's not as novel, either, but it's exceptionally crafted.
  2. May 22, 2012
    62
    They've finally happened on a formula that goes down smoothly for the length of a whole album, [yet] you may still find yourself missing the slick tricks and rough edges, all that dance-as-rock oomph and crap rapping, that once made them so endearing.
  3. 80
    It's blissful, soulful proof that although SMD might have stopped chasing the hit parade, they haven't stopped making hits.
  4. May 11, 2012
    70
    As a collection in the SMD back catalogue, Unpatterns is certainly their best work since Attack Decay Sustain Release, but it still falls a little short of those admittedly towering heights.
  5. May 11, 2012
    80
    The most danceable tracks are the simplest--Interference and Your Love Ain't Fair--but the rest is music in which to lose your thoughts, rather than your T-shirt.
  6. May 15, 2012
    80
    Unpatterns straight-up works.
  7. May 11, 2012
    80
    Unpatterns feels like less of a discrete instalment in a collection and more an accomplished blend of the two things James Ford and Jas Shaw do best--gigantic, open-armed, open-air pop, and femur-fracturing analogue techno.
  8. Alternative Press
    May 11, 2012
    80
    Unpatterns is actually more engaging and accessible than Simian Mobile Disco's past work, perhaps because no gimmicks or distractions cloud the band's analog alchemy. [Jun 2012, p.84]
  9. May 24, 2012
    80
    Once you get over the lack of choruses, you'll find a very solid, satisfying melodic techno album.
  10. Jun 1, 2012
    80
    SMD's latest is an exploration not just in sound, but in concept; it feels like a defining statement, not just for them but for dance music in general.
  11. May 17, 2012
    70
    For the most part, Unpatterns is slightly sinister, stretched out, anxious, fidgety house.
  12. May 16, 2012
    80
    SMD sounds like it's found a handle on its sound.
  13. May 11, 2012
    80
    SMD lovers will have to content themselves with a deep, well-crafted dance manifesto by two talented producers.
  14. May 21, 2012
    64
    As a follow-up to 2010's sinister compilation Delicacies, Unpatterns stands decidedly in a shadow.
  15. Jun 8, 2012
    80
    Unpatterns is very now, yet by employing key electronic music touchstones it sounds classic as well.
  16. May 29, 2012
    80
    Absolutely sterling work, very possibly the most consistent album yet from the duo, and not a star guest in sight.
  17. May 14, 2012
    90
    What they discovered lies beyond DJ mixes and radio rotations; it's their magnum opus.
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Jun 29, 2012
    10
    Just amazing. Highlights include I waited for you, Interference, and Put your Hands together. I waited for you, Interference, and Put yourJust amazing. Highlights include I waited for you, Interference, and Put your Hands together. I waited for you, Interference, and Put your hands together are all very dance/club friendly. Full Review »
  2. Oct 22, 2014
    9
    Unpatterns is a very strong and experimental, although club-friendly dance record. A more mature effort compared to SMD's first two albums,Unpatterns is a very strong and experimental, although club-friendly dance record. A more mature effort compared to SMD's first two albums, which I still enjoyed nonetheless. Full Review »
  3. Aug 8, 2012
    9
    Excellent album. It took its time to really build up each track but yet didn't seem to drag on like a LOT of dance albums (52 minutes went byExcellent album. It took its time to really build up each track but yet didn't seem to drag on like a LOT of dance albums (52 minutes went by fast). It ebbed and flowed quite nicely. The LP packaging is awesome as well. "Your Love Aint Fair" is my favorite track on the album. The synth track on that song alone was worth the price of the album. Full Review »