All Things Being Equal
by Sonic Boom
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Quietus
    Jul 6, 2020
    90
    For an album so grounded in electronics, it sounds remarkably organic. Perhaps it’s the lyrical intent, or the fact that Kember’s been cultivating its growth over some time, but the record’s connection to the earth is unmistakable. In making his grand statement, Pete Kember has succeeded in creating his magnum opus and an album for the ages.
  2. Under The Radar
    Jun 5, 2020
    85
    All things being equal, this is arguably Pete Kember’s finest body of work since Spacemen 3.
  3. The Wire
    Jun 11, 2020
    80
    Where Spectrum was full of empty (head) space, All Things Being Equal is flooded with warm, luxuriant modular texture, across its bandwidth. [Jun 2020, p.56]
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  5. Exclaim
    Jun 10, 2020
    80
    Originating as instrumental studio sketches, Kember's change in scenery gave birth to lyrics that add substance to the LP.
  6. Q Magazine
    Jun 9, 2020
    80
    A couple of tracks featuring Kember's spoken word are skippable, but elsewhere such druggily joyous songs as Just A Little Piece Of Me and the triptastic I Can See Light Bend induce pleasant daydream states. [Summer 2020, p.105]
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  7. Mojo
    Jun 5, 2020
    80
    Urgent, retro-futurist and profoundly absorbing. [Jul 2020, p.84]
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  8. Uncut
    Jun 5, 2020
    80
    He has clearly been galvanised creatively. What an excellent record. [Jul 2020, p.37]
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  9. AllMusic
    Jun 5, 2020
    80
    Overall, it's a lovely return to the scene for Sonic Boom that finds him in full control of his vision and making music that stands proudly next to the best work he made in his so-called glory days in the 1990s.
  10. Clash Music
    Jun 5, 2020
    80
    Kember’s vocals throughout are thoughtful and full of promise for the future, rather than the more recent sombre Spectrum albums. ... At times Sonic Boom feels like a long-lost friend you bump into by chance. He is the same person he was in 1989, but he has also grown a lot too. This comes across in ‘All Things Being Equal’.
  11. Pitchfork
    Jun 9, 2020
    77
    It’s both solipsistic and psychedelic, urging listeners to travel into their own depths and welcome the joy and despair they might find there.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Lajaleaa
    Sep 30, 2020
    3
    ( 39/100 )

    Después de 31 años sin presentar un álbum, uno diría que Peter Kember ha planeado y preparado de forma minuciosa, elaborada y    ( 39/100 )

    Después de 31 años sin presentar un álbum, uno diría que Peter Kember ha planeado y preparado de forma minuciosa, elaborada y arduamente su próximo proyecto. Nada más lejos de la realidad, "All Things Being Equal" es una perdida de tiempo. O no... Este álbum funciona solo para dormirse en él. "All Things Being Equal" es una hora de sonidos sintéticos realmente todos iguales, en loop y voces dreamy que carece de melodía, arreglos, narrativa, emoción, intensidad, sensibilidad, etc. Tal vez la molestia más grande está en la extensión del concepto, pues con tracks que duran entre 5 y 8 min, este álbum está lleno de nada. Solo sonido blanco; monótono después de 2 minutos y desesperante para el minuto 5 o 6. En este álbum, Sonic Boom no demuestra el talento que le ha dado la relevancia en su trabajo con MGMT y Beach House.
    -
    After 31 years without presenting an album, one would say that Peter Kember has been planning and preparing in a thorough, elaborated, and arduous way his next project. Nothing further from reality, "All Things Being Equal" is a waste of time. Or not... This album works only to sleep through it. "All Things Being Equal" is an hour-long synth sounds all really equal with loops and dreamy voices that lacks of melody, arrangements, narrative, emotion, intensity, sensibility, etc. Maybe the biggest annoyment is in the extension of the concept, since the tracks last as long as 5 to 8 minutes, this album is full of nothing. Just white noise, monotone after 2 minutes and maddening to the minute 5 or 6. In this album, Sonic Boom doesn't show the talent that has given him relevance in his works with MGMT or Beach House.    … Full Review »
  2. Nitsu
    Jan 17, 2021
    9
    Tremenda joya la que se cargan estos chicos. Arte música para mis oídos. Sin duda tiene un gran potencial y me arrepiento de no haberlos oídoTremenda joya la que se cargan estos chicos. Arte música para mis oídos. Sin duda tiene un gran potencial y me arrepiento de no haberlos oído antes, pero finalmente escucho esta joya de música.… Full Review »
  3. mehir
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Un disco espectacular, muy parecido a lo que hacía en Spacemen 3 y superior a los últimos álbumes de Spiritualized. Sonic Boom se pone al día con ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL… Full Review »
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