Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Jul 8, 2013
    80
    Sure, this is a great garage rock record--but it’s dreaming even bigger.
  2. Jun 25, 2013
    80
    Although GB City was powerful in its own way, the self-titled displays an impressive attention to detail that helps bring out some of the sound that was lacking in the group’s early work.
  3. Jun 25, 2013
    80
    At a surface level, the album seems like more of the same kind of offerings found on GB City, but with more styles covered and improved songwriting, the album is a slight step up. His skill set as a singer, vocalist, drummer, guitarist, and bassist is very impressive.
  4. Jul 1, 2013
    70
    Just two years on from Barrett's debut record, Bass Drum of Death shows a definite creative expansion--and he shows no sign of losing his way with a hook.
  5. Jun 25, 2013
    70
    While GB City felt fast and dirty like a fleeting glance with a stranger, Bass Drum of Death is a fully realized one night stand.
  6. Jun 25, 2013
    70
    While Bass Drum Of Death is stripped back and wins many points for commitment to a certain aesthetic, it’s also a largely successful album in terms of tunes.
  7. 65
    His self-titled effort amounts to little more than the sound of him treading water; it’s every bit as fun and energetic as GB City, and the chaotic live shows aren’t likely to see a change of pace any time soon, but there’s practically nothing in the way of progression here, either.
  8. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    60
    This second album us far from flawless, with too many songs outstaying their welcome. [Sep 2013, p.98]
  9. Aug 6, 2013
    60
    Their songwriting is fantastic and the melodies are extremely catchy but overall it feels like a lack of effort--a cheap gimmick--especially when they’ve clearly got the chops to pull off something greater.
  10. Jul 12, 2013
    59
    Every song on this album could stand to be tightened. Most could lose a verse or two, and a lot of them would sound much better if they were played faster.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Nov 13, 2021
    10
    I'm not a rock / punk guy but this album has really nice music and I love the vocals. Every song is memorable specially Crawling After You andI'm not a rock / punk guy but this album has really nice music and I love the vocals. Every song is memorable specially Crawling After You and I Wanna Be Forgotten. Full Review »