Ants From Up There
by Black Country, New Road
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 250 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 220 out of 250
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 250
  3. Negative: 23 out of 250
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  1. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  2. bfore
    Apr 5, 2023
    9
    Just a very good album. I thought real music was dead in the water in with the turns it has taken but this proved me wrong
  3. daytonatabooywr
    Dec 20, 2022
    4
    whilst i understand someone enjoying this project more than i do, the lack of sincerity in the instrumentation severely hold it back from reaching a higher score from me. i did not enjoy the 3rd and 4th track at all, and i quite frankly cant understand why anyone would. overall i think they have potential to make an outstanding project but this album is lost in the forgettability of musicwhilst i understand someone enjoying this project more than i do, the lack of sincerity in the instrumentation severely hold it back from reaching a higher score from me. i did not enjoy the 3rd and 4th track at all, and i quite frankly cant understand why anyone would. overall i think they have potential to make an outstanding project but this album is lost in the forgettability of music in the modern age. im feeling a light to decent 4. tran sition have you given this thing a listen did you love it did you hate it do you support BLM because i do.… Expand
  4. RegenT_A_1300
    Dec 20, 2022
    0
    this album is especially magnificent in showing the qualities of life. this album brings emotion only one of high intelligence can record to, my favourite thing about the album is that stated from Anthony fantano "this album Is bad" that's a real quote that was inserted by biog dicks dicks dicks. so Denzel is better and this album is ass and is worse than FERRIS BULLER'S BIGGGGGG DAYYYYY OFFFFFFFF
  5. Deathcow
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    While a solid album, it is weighed down by too many songs that overstay their welcome, something of a theme for the band.
  6. Manny90210
    Oct 21, 2022
    0
    I know one thing for sure..............................................................
  7. fahim98
    Oct 8, 2022
    9
    I really enjoyed this. It's a great successor to the debut. I loved "Bread Song" and "Basketball Shoes." I think this is better than the debut. Overall, great album. I think it's going to go down as one of the best albums of the decade. It's long but worth the listen. Very enjoyable rock and jazz music. It's very creative and different from most rock right now.
  8. GnymedePrincess
    Oct 7, 2022
    10
    Found this vinyl at a bookstore, looked interesting so I decided to pick it up. The intro track had me instantly hooked, and kept me intrigued throughout this entire beautiful, emotional, crushing journey. It's unreal that this is only the second project from this group, I can't wait to see what they do next. Album of the year.

    Favorite track: Basketball Shoes
  9. sleepnice
    Sep 19, 2022
    10
    Beautiful, powerful, fun, joyful and sad, basically perfect technically but without being too pretentious, this is a perfect rock album with some of the most amazing moments both in sound and lyrically, perfect music.
    aoty don't @ me
  10. diluteacid
    Aug 22, 2022
    7
    Great work on this from my fave artist probably ever. also! had a hard time trying to understand what she was speaking through the album. He makes it hard to truly understand what was going through their mind in making such a widely uncomfortable yet simply delivered on what needed to be done.
  11. AboveAllMusic
    Aug 19, 2022
    10
    Album of the year. Each member of the band is clearly so talented. Their chemistry is just off the charts.
  12. curlyjoe
    Aug 6, 2022
    10
    Incredible album, truly blows me away every time I listen. Unique and interesting lyrics, music and melodies, dynamic and 'full' sounding songs; there's not a dull moment on this album. From the powerful crescendo on the final song 'Basketball Shoes', the heartbreaking 'The Place Where He Inserted the Blade' and the thrilling and powerful "Snow Globes, it's truly and album that gets betterIncredible album, truly blows me away every time I listen. Unique and interesting lyrics, music and melodies, dynamic and 'full' sounding songs; there's not a dull moment on this album. From the powerful crescendo on the final song 'Basketball Shoes', the heartbreaking 'The Place Where He Inserted the Blade' and the thrilling and powerful "Snow Globes, it's truly and album that gets better with every listen.… Expand
  13. Zeno_505
    Jul 28, 2022
    10
    低音呢喃式人声演绎相较首专而言变得更为内敛，所谓的极简主义氛围更多也是体现在人声这一环节上。此外，运用留白段落来塑造乐曲情绪递进的手段也在这张专辑中大放异彩，在渐强中推进听者情感走向的器乐编排则与留白段落一起，为歌曲流动的鼓膜共鸣铺开底色，而在此之上的是作为专辑核心的跨流派器乐段落，既有对传统结构的摒弃，也有相对古典的管弦段落，但都无一例外地保持着出色的音色审美与令人印象深刻的乐句写作。低音呢喃式人声演绎相较首专而言变得更为内敛，所谓的极简主义氛围更多也是体现在人声这一环节上。此外，运用留白段落来塑造乐曲情绪递进的手段也在这张专辑中大放异彩，在渐强中推进听者情感走向的器乐编排则与留白段落一起，为歌曲流动的鼓膜共鸣铺开底色，而在此之上的是作为专辑核心的跨流派器乐段落，既有对传统结构的摒弃，也有相对古典的管弦段落，但都无一例外地保持着出色的音色审美与令人印象深刻的乐句写作。
  14. AShinyG1ratina
    Jun 21, 2022
    10
    I’m **** breaking down after listening to this **** Review soon, maybe, idk.
  15. Bolyf
    Jun 21, 2022
    1
    I very nearly switched off halfway through and by the end of the album I wish I had. There were some interesting moments - the odd dramatic drum build up or soaring violin refrain - but I was never ‘grabbed’ and they just reminded me of similar elements in other bands’ music, bands that I found myself desperately wanting to listen to instead. To me, no one song stands out on this album.I very nearly switched off halfway through and by the end of the album I wish I had. There were some interesting moments - the odd dramatic drum build up or soaring violin refrain - but I was never ‘grabbed’ and they just reminded me of similar elements in other bands’ music, bands that I found myself desperately wanting to listen to instead. To me, no one song stands out on this album. And whilst I often love an album that works as a whole and tells a spiralling story and takes me on a complete journey, with this I found the journey from song to song incredibly arduous, boring and repetitive. I would look forward to a song ending in the hope the next would be a good one… but that cycle just repeated ad infinitum with increasing frustration. And Wood’s voice, which at the start of the album was as an intriguingly uncanny reminder of Orlando from The Maccabees, was really grating on me by the end. To the point that when I read he had left just before the album launched, I felt awkwardly more optimistic about their future output. I must be missing something. Everyone else seems to be writing glowing reviews. But to me they are a poor black and white photocopy mishmash of the indie bands I was listening to in the mid-2000s with nothing particularly original added. I usually love classical instruments on indie tracks… but this never hooked me here. I’m often a sucker for introspective lyrics and songs that build and sway… but these just droned on and irritated me beyond belief. On paper, I should like this album… but my god I was glad when it finished and I could put something else on.… Expand
  16. jimlefferts
    Jun 13, 2022
    7
    The hype here is bordering on hysteria. It's a provocative and interesting listen but often seems obscure because of an inability to articulate. The music might seem compelling to non-jazz fans but really isn't that impressive from a free form perspective.
  17. OtherSide75
    May 18, 2022
    10
    Exceptional chamber pop/baroque/rock album. Sonically and lyrically, it's so varied and so well-paced.
  18. GamaB31
    May 12, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La vanguardia y el sentimentalismo más puro puesto en un disco, es una carta de despedida perfecta en todos sus detalles, desde líricos hasta los musicales y la forma tan barroca en que nos transmite el soportar en concordia el adiós es una experiencia que solo este disco puede lograr. Simplemente es PERFECTO… Expand
  19. JacksonC
    Apr 25, 2022
    10
    There is not a bad song on this whole album. Isaac's vocals are emotional and sincere, the instrumentation is amazing, the lyrics are almost always meaningful, and the choruses are catchy.
  20. KP1994
    Apr 21, 2022
    10
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_Columbia?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Red?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Alberta_Scotties_Tournament_of_Hearts?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Finnish_Cup?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Ukraine_cyberattacks?wprov=sfla1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_Columbia?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Red?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Alberta_Scotties_Tournament_of_Hearts?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Finnish_Cup?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Ukraine_cyberattacks?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Toronto_Blue_Jays_season?wprov=sfla1… Expand
  21. Stumpfinger
    Apr 8, 2022
    4
    The return of blog rock? I tried to like this album, I really did. I heard such great things about it. But it's just too art school for me. Reminds me of New Pornographers and Animal Collective - blog rock bands I tried really hard to like 10 years ago, and never managed to.
  22. entei36
    Apr 6, 2022
    10
    amazing and emotional i haven't had anything bless my ears and **** my mind like this before
  23. shaneyboy
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    This the type of album that I would consider an 'instant classic'. In the coming years I think this album will certify its status as a masterful piece of work.
  24. MusicGuyMack
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    Deftly fusing swelling, "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"-type chamber pop and the heady art rock of the likes of Arcade Fire, "Ants From Up There" certainly won't be to everyone's liking even with a more conscious effort by Black Country, New Road to craft a more accessible record, but fans of both aforementioned groups and those in search of something new will find plenty to love in the album'sDeftly fusing swelling, "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"-type chamber pop and the heady art rock of the likes of Arcade Fire, "Ants From Up There" certainly won't be to everyone's liking even with a more conscious effort by Black Country, New Road to craft a more accessible record, but fans of both aforementioned groups and those in search of something new will find plenty to love in the album's immaculate songwriting and rich, layered instrumentation.… Expand
  25. Claw_PL
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    The production, lyrics, music, It all just screams instant music classic.And i believe it's gonna be strong contender for album of the year or even the album of an upcoming decade.
  26. Brunnogamer325
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    One of the bests albums I've ever heard. It's great to be alive and listen to this.
  27. elryo
    Feb 23, 2022
    10
    Very special. Feels like it should be very influential for future artists. Listening to this from start to end is just a joy and leaves you with F E E L I N G. Favourite track - The Place Where He Inserted The Blade
  28. AntonMit
    Feb 22, 2022
    5
    A nice experiment, but all in all, it felt rather pretentious to me and there was no track I would like to listen to again.
  29. Zeraora
    Feb 22, 2022
    3
    Generic out-of-tune indie rock with artsy arrangement, a dry upfront sound, and a vocalist that sure could use a singing lesson or two. It gets noisy, but not in a energic kind of way, it's just annoying noise. The guitar players pluck a string, the bass player plucks a string in bar three, a horn comes in at bar 6 and the drummer bangs randomly at the drums in bar 8. I have heard it soGeneric out-of-tune indie rock with artsy arrangement, a dry upfront sound, and a vocalist that sure could use a singing lesson or two. It gets noisy, but not in a energic kind of way, it's just annoying noise. The guitar players pluck a string, the bass player plucks a string in bar three, a horn comes in at bar 6 and the drummer bangs randomly at the drums in bar 8. I have heard it so many times, and it may sound original, but this is nothing new.… Expand
  30. Fuerstenberg
    Feb 20, 2022
    7
    The sophomore studio album of the young British rock band really is a masterpiece in a certain way. Often subdued, quiet and broken at the beginning, it slowly thaws over time and becomes more rocking. The outstanding production quality and the perfectly harmonized choice of instruments is indeed remarkable. Black Country, New Road reinvents something new and interesting with every song,The sophomore studio album of the young British rock band really is a masterpiece in a certain way. Often subdued, quiet and broken at the beginning, it slowly thaws over time and becomes more rocking. The outstanding production quality and the perfectly harmonized choice of instruments is indeed remarkable. Black Country, New Road reinvents something new and interesting with every song, while sounding authentic and pure.

    The traditional song structures and ballad-like track lengths, as well as the choice of instruments, sometimes make it sound like medieval folk music. Vocally, there is still room for improvement. Overall, the special and revolutionary of "Ants from Up There" is not clear to me. By no means a bad record, but in my opinion nowhere near album of the year or anything like that.

    My favorites:
    "Basketball Shoes"
    "Bread Song"
    "The Place Where He Inserted the Blade"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    February 20, 2022    … Expand
  31. JakiraJakira
    Feb 19, 2022
    3
    A few songs are good but it sounds like an amalgam of music pulling from way too many genres to make any sense. Sit for too long and you will get a headache.
    Also, I think the previous lead singer might need voice coaching or exposure to auto-tune. It sounds like the vocals were recorded in a single take.
  32. kiev
    Feb 18, 2022
    9
    this album is a journey to many emotions, as you can experience too much in it. All the members stand out at moments of the album. It is a very dense album and requires attention at times, but without a doubt it only makes it special and one of the best of the year.
  33. PariSolunke
    Feb 10, 2022
    10
    So poignant, so good. I'm thoroughly in love.
    Good Will Hunting is one of the best songs about unrequited love I've ever heard. Could've said the same for concorde too. The closer is another highlight among highlights
  34. JuneD
    Feb 8, 2022
    9
    I've been a fan of this band ever since their great debut from last year, and was looking forward to what they would do next. However, I never expected them to improve so much on their sound and make such a heartbreaking masterpiece. The whole record is so bittersweet, and I didn't think I'd feel so many emotions while listening to these songs. Isaac's departure from the band is obviouslyI've been a fan of this band ever since their great debut from last year, and was looking forward to what they would do next. However, I never expected them to improve so much on their sound and make such a heartbreaking masterpiece. The whole record is so bittersweet, and I didn't think I'd feel so many emotions while listening to these songs. Isaac's departure from the band is obviously sad, but hearing him sing his heart on these songs gives them so much emotional weight, aside from the gorgeous instrumentation. I love the entire album, but the last 3 tracks are the big emotional hard-hitters. I can easily say this is one of the most affecting records I've listened to in a while and my current favorite of the year so far.… Expand
  35. Carlosskah
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    Already one of the best albums of the decade. Every single track is so emotional and paced so well. The production is so grand while also staying minimal at times. The imagery the lyrics create is amazing. Definitely going to be a classic.
  36. catholicgoth90
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    Hands down the album of the year even with some tough competition coming up
  37. MESSA21
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    Incredible, lush instrumentation with some great lyricism sparking what will be one of the best albums of the year and a cult classic for years to come 9.6/10
  38. MotoMoth
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece. A great achievement in every way, from the compositions to the playing; from the lyrics to the production; from the sad moments to the hopeful... Decade-defining album, and one of the best of this century, without a single doubt. Thank you, Isaac. Thank you, Black Country, New Road.
  39. jasonelman5
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    This album had one of the most impactful "first listens" I've ever had in my life. I see people comparing it to Funeral by Arcade Fire and it's exactly in that vein - it connects on a very personal level. Compared to Arcade Fire though, this is a decidedly less fun album... you won't be chanting to these songs during a pre-drink with your friends. With that said, it is an extraordinarilyThis album had one of the most impactful "first listens" I've ever had in my life. I see people comparing it to Funeral by Arcade Fire and it's exactly in that vein - it connects on a very personal level. Compared to Arcade Fire though, this is a decidedly less fun album... you won't be chanting to these songs during a pre-drink with your friends. With that said, it is an extraordinarily emotionally evocative album that I will be revisiting for years to come.… Expand
  40. christodoulakis
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    This is a 10, not because it is the perfect album, next to an Abbey Road, Velvet Undeground or Piper At the Gates of Dawn kind of stuff, but because it is AUTHENTIC and PURE.
    This is the quality behind it.
    I do not know if the band will go again to such high-quality limits, but who cares.
    We are here, now, to enjoy what we have.
    And what we have it is the feeling from some Ants from Up There!
  41. Kylepmo
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    Seriously the best album I’ve heard in a while, already helping me get through a lot of stuff going on in my life. Tragic to hear issac left the group, praying for his well being
  42. RadioheadLuv17
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    I give this a 10/10 not because I think Ants from Up Here is a perfect album, but because I can’t remember the last time I heard an indie rock record and was this excited over it, or had the feeling that I had just heard a “classic”. The album opens with “Chaos Space Marine”, a zany and upbeat introduction to an album that is anything but. My first thought upon hearing it was that it’sI give this a 10/10 not because I think Ants from Up Here is a perfect album, but because I can’t remember the last time I heard an indie rock record and was this excited over it, or had the feeling that I had just heard a “classic”. The album opens with “Chaos Space Marine”, a zany and upbeat introduction to an album that is anything but. My first thought upon hearing it was that it’s sorta a mess, but its jammy lightness has grown on me with repeated listens and the crunchy halftime riff at the end uhhh (?) slaps (?).

    What follows is eight beautiful post rock inspired chamber pop epics, evocative of the best bits of Arcade Fire, Tindersticks and even Steve Reich. The lyrics are quirky and often funny without ever being precious, and at their best can be subtly devastating. Highlights include “Concorde”, “Bread Song”, “Good Will Hunting”, “Snow Globes” and the epic closer “Basketball Shoes”. Three of these songs bring me almost to tears, the other two make me insanely happy.    … Collapse
  43. Lodz
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    Music at its best. No superfluous sounds. Perfectly crafted songs that really sound. A little bit like Mahavishnu (King Crimson) meet Mark Hollis and Talk Talk from Laughing Stock era. Incredibly beautiful, intoxicating masterpiece. An instant classic.
  44. sshpv
    Feb 5, 2022
    9
    I can’t call this record anything but masterpiece. Especially songwriting, it’s crazy. This is even bigger and better than stunning ‘For the first time’. Let’s just hope Isaac will return and most exciting new band won’t disappear forever.
  45. Alleged
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Just an immaculate piece of work that spans the emotional spectrum. Highs, lows, and saxophones.
  46. 407kness
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Best album... maybe ever? Completely and utterly blown away, I had incredibly high expectations for this and it surpassed all of them by miles. Basketball Shoes might be the best song ever too. It's Feburary of the third year of a decade and the Album Of The Decade has already been discovered and crowned. Incredible. Visceral. Ethereal. Ants From Up There is a true masterpiece.
  47. Henry14
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Never have I been able to feel such a range of emotions while listening to an album. Quality fights with creativity while accuracy strolls hand in hand with fluency. Calling this the classical piece of our era at the day of its release does not even seem that brave, but rather observative. I only imagine that these are the feelings that were once felt by those witnessingNever have I been able to feel such a range of emotions while listening to an album. Quality fights with creativity while accuracy strolls hand in hand with fluency. Calling this the classical piece of our era at the day of its release does not even seem that brave, but rather observative. I only imagine that these are the feelings that were once felt by those witnessing experimental-turned-classic pieces.… Expand
  48. reoffender59
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    What is not to like? This album is an instant classic. This is going to be as influential to the indie music scene as Arcade Fire's Funeral was in 2000s.
  49. akhater98
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    An utter modern classic. Every moment crushing, lush, and memorable. Truly an effort from a hive mind of musical talent.
  50. BrushedRed
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Being a huge fan of these guys since their debut, I have to say I was eagerly anticipating their next move. I am completely blown away by how incredible this album is! It is absolutely nothing like their debut, but that's not a detriment in any way. It is honestly even better, taking a new post-rock and soothing direction. I listened to this album 3 times last night, with several times IBeing a huge fan of these guys since their debut, I have to say I was eagerly anticipating their next move. I am completely blown away by how incredible this album is! It is absolutely nothing like their debut, but that's not a detriment in any way. It is honestly even better, taking a new post-rock and soothing direction. I listened to this album 3 times last night, with several times I had to play a song over and over just to soak in and revel in the moment. "Haldern" had me almost in the fetal position. This is some damn good music that will have you in your feelings, but in the best way possible, even if it's sad. This will be a decade great for the 2020's: mark my words. I cannot believe this exists!… Expand
  51. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 4, 2022
    8
    being my first ''black country roads record'' i was fortunately surprised by what this record managed to complete. so far it is the most exciting music to come out of 2022.this record almost escapes clear description taking a multitude of emotions head on such the sufjan steven indept intro that would fit comfortably on 'Illinoise' or the confusing billie ellish name drop on ''chaos spacebeing my first ''black country roads record'' i was fortunately surprised by what this record managed to complete. so far it is the most exciting music to come out of 2022.this record almost escapes clear description taking a multitude of emotions head on such the sufjan steven indept intro that would fit comfortably on 'Illinoise' or the confusing billie ellish name drop on ''chaos space mountain'. the songs reference each other naturally and sound more important than they would like to admit. a mixure of influnces such as the bright eyes, will odham ,the dodo's sometimes even capturing the vulnerability of early modest mouse and the black humor of ''purple mountains''. if this record was to end the year as the undisputed best i wouldn't be surprised or disappointed because this album handles itself so well it would be more seemingly impossible for it not to grab you on the first play.… Expand
  52. ReubenIsAGod
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Made me feel things I hadn't in a while. Joy, disgust, sadness and hope. What a beautiful album. I was somewhat luke warm on their first record...but this...this was breathtaking...no idea where the band head now with Isaac leaving them...but damn! Nothing quite like this tbh. Worth every penny.
  53. IkeaSecurity
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    It's difficult to describe how visceral this album is. Isaac isn't in the band any more, but his vocals and unique voice will always echo in this album. This album radiates isolation through the lens of being stuck between the screen of a video game and "the kingdom of men", the feeling of a girl pulling a hair off your sweater and drowning in you, the feeling of helplessness against aIt's difficult to describe how visceral this album is. Isaac isn't in the band any more, but his vocals and unique voice will always echo in this album. This album radiates isolation through the lens of being stuck between the screen of a video game and "the kingdom of men", the feeling of a girl pulling a hair off your sweater and drowning in you, the feeling of helplessness against a deterministic god of weather shaking the snow globe that makes up your world. This is an album that makes every crumb of bread hold the weight of the world, and it is a once in a generation experience for an album. Take an hour out of your day to listen to this, maybe longer if you're prone to being destroyed emotionally.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2022
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Pitchfork
    Feb 8, 2022
    84
    Knowing how it all ends does nothing to detract from the joy Black Country, New Road have poured into Ants From Up There—not when they spend every second reminding us of why we let ourselves get swept up in these beautifully doomed fantasies to begin with.
    Read full review
  2. Glide Magazine
    Feb 7, 2022
    90
    Ants From Up Here is a thrilling listen, brimming with the confidence and electricity of a young band coming into their own on all fronts, pulling from the past but pushing it undeniably forward, and fully owning their ambition.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Feb 7, 2022
    90
    Throughout “Ants From Up Here,” and through the course of every song, Black Country, New Road tests and reinvents itself, creating music that sounds both intricately plotted and precarious.
    Read full review
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