Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Aug 25, 2014
    90
    Angels & Devils marks an evolution of the sound that made London Zoo a classic.
  2. Aug 25, 2014
    90
    Another Martin masterstroke.
  3. 90
    It’s to [Kevin Martin's] credit, then, that Angels & Devils does such a stellar job of blending the old and the new, and has the stones to shove Martin’s sinuous new ideas to the forefront. It’s that courage and singularity of vision that makes The Bug stand triumphantly apart.
  4. Aug 22, 2014
    90
    Angels & Devils dwarfs its acclaimed predecessor, as it does almost everything else released in the electronic music genre this year.
  5. Aug 21, 2014
    90
    Despite the dualistic structure of Angels & Devils, the album’s two halves are never in opposition to one another; its vocalists all equally damned, equally resilient to their fate.
  6. Aug 18, 2014
    90
    All one can do is let the album play through again, though, is indicative of the great power this exhibition of completely engrossing, electrifyingly ambitious avant-dance(hall) possesses.
  7. Aug 29, 2014
    80
    An album that's otherwise remarkably deft at uniting the many aspects of Kevin Martin's musical output to date.
  8. Q Magazine
    Aug 29, 2014
    80
    It's one still stamped with his own sound, a sonic approach that, even at its most drowsy, threatens to blow the walls down. [Oct 2014, p.104]
  9. The Wire
    Aug 27, 2014
    80
    On Angels & devils, The Bug crystallises a vision of low end and lower urges that feels dangerously universal. [Aug 2014, p.48]
  10. Aug 25, 2014
    80
    Some will rhapsodise about the songs of angels, while others will feel that the most dangerous and angry superbug mutations are still found in the filthiest, most chaotic places.
  11. Aug 25, 2014
    80
    A truly superb comeback.
  12. Aug 22, 2014
    80
    The Bug can still shock, and with so many highlights here, it’s hard to complain.
  13. Mojo
    Aug 20, 2014
    80
    Those attuned to the harsh aspects of existence, who despair at the forces shaping the world, won't find any answers as such, but Angels & Devils' blend of fever dreams and corporeal nightmare articulates the confusion beautifully and brutally. [Sep 2014, p.86]
  14. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2014
    80
    Martin continues to brew new hybrids of dystopian dub reggae, industrial noise and experimental hip-hop. [Sep 2014, p.70]
  15. Aug 18, 2014
    78
    Angels and Devils is a triumph of anguish, needles and monsters and evil in aural form. Be warned.
  16. Sep 2, 2014
    70
    The angels side earns its name via slow-burning, lush, and dubbed-out numbers.... [The devil side] is where London Zoo fans will find their long-awaited fix, deep within the hard-hitting beats, chest-shaking bass synths, skittering hi-hats, and violent dystopian vision that makes that album hold up so well.
  17. 70
    It’s an impressive display, but the contrast between the two sides is so vast they could easily be two different records.
  18. 67
    Short of their obvious opposition, there is little here in the way of meaningful tension between the Angels & Devils.
  19. Aug 26, 2014
    67
    An album that retains the precise brutality of London Zoo but feels labored in comparison.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Nov 21, 2014
    8
    The second half of the album is what you're after. It's bold aggressive and is reminiscent of a come-up on some sort of hard drug that had youThe second half of the album is what you're after. It's bold aggressive and is reminiscent of a come-up on some sort of hard drug that had you chilling out just moments before. Full Review »