Ape In Pink Marble
by Devendra Banhart
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    80
    The fantasy and the fantastic continue, and his soft sculptural Dadaist lyrical sense of romance will always go with DevBan's trembling, lilting melodies like cheese and chocolate. [No. 136, p.53]
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  2. Record Collector
    Oct 7, 2016
    80
    On the whole Ape is a chilled listen. It’s glorious that Banhart has found this high watermark plateau so far into his career, especially when you remember he was once in danger of becoming the one-time token hippy at the party.
  3. Clash Music
    Oct 3, 2016
    80
    Ape in Pink Marble doesn’t do anything innovative because it doesn’t really have to. So go ahead, Devendra, celebrate.
  5. Q Magazine
    Sep 23, 2016
    80
    Ape In Pink Marble shows that underneath the mannered eccentricities, Banhart's chief talent has always been to write endearing songs. [Nov 2016, p.103]
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  6. AllMusic
    Sep 22, 2016
    80
    The album's overall effect is one of strolling along a seaside path, maybe with a stray dog and a straw hat, in a less-frequented village somewhere far from home, and it's one of Banhart's most satisfying.
  7. Uncut
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    Overall, the palette is dusky, the tone understated. [Oct 2016, p.25]
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  8. Exclaim
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    The album is riddled with feeling, and there is an adamant sense of joy.
  9. Under The Radar
    Sep 21, 2016
    80
    Ape in Pink Marble carries the feeling that much of it came about through happenstance, from early morning or late night fiddling with gentle melody, and was fortunate to be captured.
  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 30, 2016
    70
    Although Banhart might not be in the business of dancing around bonfires anymore, his music still feels like gazing into one, its nocturnal reverie calmly emanating a force both naturalistic and mystical.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 27, 2016
    70
    Ape In Pink Marble may not quite measure up in quality to Mala, but it is definitely a fruitful album by one of the most respected musicians in the business.
  12. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 21, 2016
    70
    Lyrically, Ape is among his best records, even with a few missteps on tracks like “Fancy Man”.
  13. Pitchfork
    Sep 27, 2016
    66
    Heavy on ballads and low on energy, Banhart sometimes comes in danger of scrubbing away any remnants of his once-magnetic personality. Occasionally, though, Ape approaches sparse brilliance.
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 26, 2016
    60
    It makes for an incoherent, slightly unsatisfactory whole.
  15. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 22, 2016
    60
    Bubbling synths and glistening ripples of acoustic guitar adorn these tales of elite bohemians.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. molecular
    Nov 6, 2016
    8
    Devendra Banhart's best album since "Cripple Crow". Actual hooks and catchy tunes instead of the meandering noodling of the last coupleDevendra Banhart's best album since "Cripple Crow". Actual hooks and catchy tunes instead of the meandering noodling of the last couple albums. He still waves his freak flag high but here he is at his most accessible.… Full Review »
  2. Sardine3
    Jul 6, 2019
    8
    Intriguing , esoteric and uneven.Its as if he has multiple personalities , the problem being that not all of them are capable composers orIntriguing , esoteric and uneven.Its as if he has multiple personalities , the problem being that not all of them are capable composers or performers.
    I loved it ?    … Full Review »
  3. frankrog29
    Sep 24, 2016
    9
    I highly recommend Ape in Pink Marble, whether you are already a fan or you're a newcomer to Devendra Banhart's superb music. I like all ofI highly recommend Ape in Pink Marble, whether you are already a fan or you're a newcomer to Devendra Banhart's superb music. I like all of his albums, but this one is superior because it has a very catchy, appealing, almost irresistible positive energy to it. If you are unfamiliar with Mr. Banhart's music, this album is a good entry point into his oeuvre - it's probably his most accessible album to date. It is cohesive throughout and the production is top-notch. Ape in Pink Marble is one of Mr. Banhart's best albums and, in my opinion, one of the best albums of the year so far.… Full Review »
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