+ -
by Mew
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2015
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    May 11, 2015
    85
    +- stands up to all of their previous records easily, and while there aren't any major shifts in their trademark formula, it is another step forward in the ever expanding career of the danish band.
  2. Magnet
    Jun 4, 2015
    80
    Cameos from pop princess Kimbra and Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack are the delicate icing on Mew's richly satisfying prog/pop cake. [No. 120, p.59]
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  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 12, 2015
    80
    At last, a Mew album as essential as it is deeply odd. [Jun 2015, p.97]
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  5. PopMatters
    May 11, 2015
    80
    + - further establishes its creator as one of the most distinguished and cherishable modern acts around. In a world of copycats and unoriginality, Mew still preside as a one-of-a-kind triumph.
  6. AllMusic
    May 1, 2015
    80
    Free from any sort of major-label constraints, the band sounds both invigorated and restless, and while deciphering their skewed Danish pop sensibilities can often prove challenging, it's well worth the effort, as the results can just as often be breathtaking.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Apr 27, 2015
    80
    Mew have always been unpredictable, and with +- they prove, once again, that it’s all for the best.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Apr 27, 2015
    80
    + – might be a tad more restrained and less obviously ambitious than its two predecessors, but it’s still a meticulously crafted, consistently melodic and frequently beautiful work from an excellent band.
  9. Exclaim
    Apr 22, 2015
    80
    Give this one time, and it reveals itself.
  10. Q Magazine
    Apr 20, 2015
    80
    It's a record which ultimately leaves you cleansed. [May 2015, p.108]
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  11. Under The Radar
    Apr 20, 2015
    80
    Mew has returned with a robust set that should satisfy fans who've waited a half decade for new songs.
  12. The 405
    May 4, 2015
    75
    It would be unfair and disingenuous to Mew to say that each song follows a template, but the band have become so proficient at producing affirming, soaring pop-rock music that it's easy to forget just how much is going on in each track.
  13. Consequence
    Apr 20, 2015
    75
    With grander production and spacious echoes, + – is Mew’s most calming take on stadium anthems.
  14. Pitchfork
    May 1, 2015
    72
    Mew’s most consistently engaging record, even if it’s also the longest on both a cumulative and per-song basis.
  15. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 24, 2015
    70
    If you like Mew, you’ll like this. If you don’t like Mew, this is as good a place as any to begin, or to rekindle, your love affair with a wonderful band.
  16. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 22, 2015
    70
    While the peaks on +- are cloud-scraping highs, there are lows to temper the bliss.
  17. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 20, 2015
    70
    Six years in the making, Mew's sixth album is opulence in excelsis, the Danish dream-weavers gathering all the synths and power chords at their disposal to conjure a feast for the ears.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46
  1. stablenet
    Apr 29, 2015
    9
    Another masterpiece. Mew takes a pop turn on a few songs. One, in particular, "Making Friends," might confuse listeners at first, but the oddAnother masterpiece. Mew takes a pop turn on a few songs. One, in particular, "Making Friends," might confuse listeners at first, but the odd turns that make their music interesting are still all contained within it. The third tune on the record, "Night Believer," features a duet with Kimbra, who has a lovely voice, but it can catch the listener off-guard. Both of these songs are great, but may take a few listens to show their place in this collection of songs. The rest of the tunes are exactly what a Mew fan is looking for, though none of it is rehashed. Powerful rock single? Check (Witness). Epic ballad? Check (Cross The River). Airy dance song? Check (Clinging To A Bad Dream). They have managed to tread new ground while maintaining maximum Mew-ness. It's a little more ebullient than No More Stories but has some characteristics that make it almost a companion album, even though they were released five years apart. As with most Mew records, it takes a few listens to truly reveal itself, but that's what the best music does. I'm having a hard time remembering my initial reactions because it has morphed into a different album for me after repeated plays. Considering most modern music shows its hand instantly, I've been really enjoying getting to know +-.… Full Review »
  2. BrushedRed
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Mew are back and quite possibly better than ever. The talent and musicianship shown in their work is impeccable. Their dizzying instrumentalsMew are back and quite possibly better than ever. The talent and musicianship shown in their work is impeccable. Their dizzying instrumentals topped off by intoxicating vocals have really been missed. I don't see how critics can only award a 77. The 9.1 user score is definitely more accurate.This is art rock without succumbing to pretention… Full Review »
  3. livecloud
    May 14, 2015
    10
    Just a magical musical experience, a stunning album, with a light and soft atmosphere. Press "Play" you just plunge into this album and forgetJust a magical musical experience, a stunning album, with a light and soft atmosphere. Press "Play" you just plunge into this album and forget about everything. I will say again, the album "a magical musical experience."… Full Review »
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