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When We Stay Alive Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Minneapolis band features songs written while frontwoman Channy Leaneagh was recovering from a back injury.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Jan 29, 2020
    90
    It is a transformative synthpop journey exploring how our worst moments shape us as individuals for when we are at our best.
  2. Jan 30, 2020
    80
    ‘Feel Life’ and ‘Steady’ resolve this darkness, both euphoric and knowing - and beautiful sonically - while ‘Blood Moon’ addresses feeling disappointed in yourself, and what you need to do to push through and make things right. ‘When We Stay Alive’ is emotionally raw, elegantly presented and at many parts a real tear-jerker. Wonderful stuff.
  3. Jan 31, 2020
    80
    When We Stay Alive is an illusion of a record but, once explored, an apparently endless labyrinth unfurls.
  4. 75
    Taken all together, When We Stay Alive is the sound of an individual and a band finding a new purpose, a new way to live and create – even if it is within the confines of familiarity.
  5. Feb 3, 2020
    70
    When We Stay Alive captures every nuance of Leaneagh's journey with unflinching honesty.
  6. Mar 2, 2020
    60
    When We Stay Alive at times unintentionally underscores that struggle through its weakest moments, but it also embraces the perseverance required to come out on the other side with a renewed sense of self. Poliça sound eager to take that next major step and embrace a fresh start, even if they don't seem to know exactly where to go from here.
  7. Feb 4, 2020
    52
    For a record born from a second chance at life, When We Stay Alive sounds disenchanted with its own message.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Nov 4, 2020
    8
    super fresh! greatest mix of a vocalist & a producer ive heard in a long time
  2. Mar 22, 2020
    7
    ( 72/100 )

    POLIÇA da un pequeño paso atrás en "When We Stay Alive" en donde decide suavizar y sensualizar las cosas. Su visión carece de
    ( 72/100 )

    POLIÇA da un pequeño paso atrás en "When We Stay Alive" en donde decide suavizar y sensualizar las cosas. Su visión carece de fuerza y a pesar de tener un concepto solido y que logra explorar por 40 min, su estructura realmente también deja que desear. Hay poco atractivo, no hay intensidad y la sensibilidad que se presenta se nota poco necesaria. "When We Stay Alive" se puede disfrutar, pero más como una amena decoración para buenas conversaciones.
    -
    POLIÇA gives a little step back in "When We Stay Alive" where decides to smooth and sensualize things. Her vision lacks strength and even if she has a very clear musical concept that manages to explore for 40 min. it's structure leaves with a lot to expect. There is very little attractiveness, no intensity and the sensibility that is presented almost feels like it's not necessary. "When We Stay Alive" can be enjoyed, but more like a behind decoration for good conversations.
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