Beacon
by Two Door Cinema Club
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 10, 2012
    83
    The sleek album from the Irish trio tempers its galloping pop gait with frontman Alex Trimble's Ben Gibbard-y confessionals. [7 Sep 2012, p.75]
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  2. Paste Magazine
    Oct 10, 2012
    83
    Fans that loved Tourist History, prepare your mp3 player; this will be your favorite album. But if you haven't already fallen for TDCC's dance-ready, bright-voiced Irishmen, you won't find love here.
  3. The Fly (UK)
    Oct 30, 2012
    80
    There are times when all you need is a stompy bass drum to underpin a killer melody, and that's exactly what makes Beacon tick; nothing's overworked or overcomplicated.
  5. BBC Music
    Oct 25, 2012
    80
    [Beacon] is the mark of a band who know their sound, have a newfound confidence, and are well-equipped to do some serious damage to the chart this time around.
  6. Alternative Press
    Oct 10, 2012
    80
    Thankfully, there's enough variation in tempo, nuance and arrangements to stave off monotony. [Oct 2012, p.92]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 9, 2012
    80
    Musically, they've come on. Kevin Baird's bass work – always a highlight – is finally showcased to full effect on the 'Rip It Up'-style swagger of 'Wake Up' and the jagged riffing of 'Sun', while 'Pyramid' features some seriously impressive guitar noodles.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 25, 2012
    70
    Where the album ultimately succeeds is in its song-craft, with everything from its diversity and song structures clearly improving, without significantly forsaking the trio's effortlessly catchy and engaging melodies.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 56
  3. Negative: 3 out of 56
  1. speedybill47
    Jan 9, 2013
    5
    What saves this record is Alex Trimbles, Light Timbre Vocals Sailing above the Overused Guitar and Synth sounds on an unoriginal if not atWhat saves this record is Alex Trimbles, Light Timbre Vocals Sailing above the Overused Guitar and Synth sounds on an unoriginal if not at times annoying drum machine. Next Year being the only Saving grace of this album, Maybe "sleep alone" for Alex's vocals. I think the band seemed to have an unclear objecive of what to do, and took the Sophomore Slump path of just making an album of Enofications.
    This Album was so anticipated in my mind, yet with other far better relaeses in 2012 to oveshadow this Dud of a record, i hardly bother to listen to it twice. Its not Terrible by any means, but its definitley Incredibly forgettable.    … Full Review »
  2. AgeOfAquarius
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Another great album by the band. Two Door Cinema Club really owns their sound, and it pays off in amazing tracks like "Next Year" and "Sun"
  3. GBushRoblox
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    While Tourist History was accessible and indie-rock, this album is a strange clash of electronic sounds and a maturing vocals that largelyWhile Tourist History was accessible and indie-rock, this album is a strange clash of electronic sounds and a maturing vocals that largely works with some faults. Somewhat solemn and conversational, this album feels like its meant to be listened to in private than played on a stage, which makes it sound alienating in comparison to Tourist History. I think this album gets flak for departing too fast from the breakout debut of Tourist History and hits like What You Know and Undercover Martyn. The sophomore slump certainly hasn't hit Two Door Cinema Club, and while it certainly isn't the most standout indie-rock album of the year, there is still plenty of talent to explore here.

    Recommended Tracks: Wake Up, Sleep Alone, Beacon, The World Is Watching.    … Full Review »
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