Viola Beach
by Viola Beach
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Q Magazine
    Jul 28, 2016
    80
    The irrepressible bounce of these tracks outweigh the poignancy, though. Viola Beach have a debut their families can be proud of. [Sep 2016, p.114]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 28, 2016
    80
    Viola Beach is an album that, against all odds, leaves you with a smile on your face.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 28, 2016
    75
    There’s an exuberance to the entire record that feels genuine and fresh, like it was captured unexpectedly.
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 3, 2016
    70
    Despite the haunting narrative tied to the album, Viola Beach remains the sound of youth, hope, and possibility.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Jul 29, 2016
    70
    Most poignant are the songs that offer something a little different from standard, because these are the instances where you can hear the makings of the band proper.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jul 29, 2016
    70
    [A] charming if slight collection, still worthy of your time, and not just to hear the aching, unfulfilled potential.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Ricko
    Dec 8, 2016
    8
    Due to the tragic end of this band and the posthumous nature of the release, it's hard to know what exactly we have with this album in termsDue to the tragic end of this band and the posthumous nature of the release, it's hard to know what exactly we have with this album in terms of how close it is to what would have been released had the band gone on. It sounds fairly complete, if a little raw around the edges. You can hear influences from contemporary bands, with FOALS along with the likes of say The Kooks having a major influence on the guitar sound. What stands out is the bands' pop sensibilities and ability to forge hooks that burrow into your consciousness. There is a bit of repetition of ideas as the album plays through while the lyrics are typically underdeveloped as is par for the course with most indie debut album - girls and nights out etc. I'll tell you what though, "Really Wanna Call" is a top tune and I'm confident I'll be playing it in years to come. I'd like to think this track was a sign of things to come from Viola Beach. A strangely joyous album with terribly sad connotations.… Full Review »
  2. mgkelly
    Aug 14, 2016
    8
    Hard not to be influenced by the poignancy of this album, but I still was very impressed by this quite poppy indie album. Quite catchy tunesHard not to be influenced by the poignancy of this album, but I still was very impressed by this quite poppy indie album. Quite catchy tunes that I will relish listening to more than a few times. Found the closing line of the closing song to leave me with a lump in the throat - "...so I learned how to sing".
    Deserving of the posthumous success.    … Full Review »
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