When The Going Gets Dark
by Quasi
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Although as tuneful as ever, tracks like 'Alice The Goon' and 'Peace And Love' reflect these tumultuous political times with a new and surprisingly vicious sonic edge that even they probably didn't think they could muster. [25 Mar 2006, p.37]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PopMatters
    60
    When the Going Gets Dark seems stuck in a rut precisely because it is an album about being stuck in a rut.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    58
    But despite better production and the unbeatable chemistry of Coomes and Weiss, When the Going Gets Dark just doesn’t have as many memorable songs, nor does it spark the same kind of curious sympathy their best micro-miseries have.
  5. Uncut
    40
    [The] results [are] worryingly like a jam session between Ben Folds and John Bonham. [Apr 2006, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Under The Radar
    60
    The live feel of the disc is evident in that several of the tunes tend to meander. [#13, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. BiffD
    Jun 12, 2006
    6
    Above Sword of God and below Hot Shit. As a longtime fan of this duo, I get a little frustrated with the uneven song quality on their discs. Above Sword of God and below Hot Shit. As a longtime fan of this duo, I get a little frustrated with the uneven song quality on their discs. "...Birds" is still their best and I'd seek out The Donner Party CD before this.… Full Review »
  2. BenT
    May 5, 2006
    7
    i liked this record slightly better than the sword of god & hot shit, group seems to be getting more focused.
  3. MisterPleasant
    Mar 22, 2006
    9
    Pounding piano riffs and psychedelic guitar flourishes abound, along with Janet's always dead-on drumming. And the closer, Invisble Star Pounding piano riffs and psychedelic guitar flourishes abound, along with Janet's always dead-on drumming. And the closer, Invisble Star is a classic song!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »