Celebrants
by
Celebrants Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

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  • Summary: The first full-length studio release since 2014's A Dotted Line from bluegrass trio Nickel Creek was produced, recorded and mixed by Eric Valentine.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Paste Magazine
    Mar 23, 2023
    86
    Each song feels like its own powerful, strange dream—the worlds described are vague yet familiar, tugging at something in your gut that instinctively pulls towards the characters and loves described.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 23, 2023
    80
    Nickel Creek’s great storytelling and vivid imagery, in most cases, never fails to enrich these anecdotes and reminiscences.
  3. American Songwriter
    Mar 24, 2023
    80
    Mostly though, Celebrants comes across as a bold new venture, one that’s unrestrained in terms of melody, motif, and obvious enthusiasm.
  4. AllMusic
    Mar 24, 2023
    80
    Where their previous record resembled the cozy reunion that it was, Celebrants is a more defining statement from veteran players whose chemistry remains undeniable.
  5. PopMatters
    May 1, 2023
    80
    It’s bursting with ideas and is, unsurprisingly, a bit of sprawl. It’s fun to hear the group exploring new musical territory, stretching their sound in ways they haven’t before. The long break between records has made for an exciting set of songs.
  6. Uncut
    Mar 23, 2023
    70
    A generic gem, full of virtuosic playing, breathtaking three-part harmonies and memorable, melodic songs about the human condition. [May 2023, p.32]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2023
    40
    A strangely bloodless album heavy on technical perfection rather than the visceral emotion at the core of the best roots music. [May 2023, p.91]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. mdbrown80
    Mar 26, 2023
    10
    First off, it's crazy that it's been 9 years since their previous album. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. This album is an absolute delightFirst off, it's crazy that it's been 9 years since their previous album. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely. This album is an absolute delight from start to finish. Whereas 2014's "A Dotted Line" felt like a loving homage to their earlier albums, Celebrants takes a bold step forward for the trio, much like "Why Should the Fire Die" did. Listeners that are familiar with the band members' other projects will find a lot of those influences, especially Thile's work with the Punch Brothers. In particular, Sara's vocals are really punchy on this album, probably owing to her work with I'm With Her and her amazing solo albums. Also, for an album with 18 tracks, it's oddly succinct; it never felt overlong. By the time the closing song Failure Isn't Forever starts, you'll find yourself wondering how the time went by so quickly. For me, the standout tracks are The Meadow and Goddamned Saint.… Expand
  2. GSWstatic
    Mar 26, 2023
    7
    A lot of musicians are going through a phase right now of self-reflection after their careers took a major hit during the pandemic. As well asA lot of musicians are going through a phase right now of self-reflection after their careers took a major hit during the pandemic. As well as the general thing is, we all experienced this album, which combines the shock of change time, loss and anxieties about reconnecting with the world again. It also reflects an extremely comfortable band playing more for themselves. Then anyone else this results in some challenging, technically accomplished music with lots of different moods and changes thing is, we all experienced this album, which combines the shock of change time, loss and anxieties about reconnecting with the world again. It also reflects an extremely comfortable band playing more for themselves. Then anyone else this results in some challenging, technically accomplished music with lots of different moods and changes in a single song. It is a challenging lesson at times. It’s also a hefty chunk of tracks and some of them blend together in the end. That doesn’t really matter though I could listen to these guys improvise the way through the phone book. I’m still enjoying myself not for everyone indeed.… Expand
  4. Hunter208
    Apr 10, 2023
    5
    At times, musicians become too good for their own good. I think this is the case with Celebrants. Chris Thile is one of the most technicallyAt times, musicians become too good for their own good. I think this is the case with Celebrants. Chris Thile is one of the most technically gifted musicians in the world, however, I believe some restraint would have been helpful for Celebrants. It is a difficult listen at times, with various counterpoint melodies, key changes, etc. I do not believe this benefited the album. I am a lover of Jazz and Bluegrass, so complexity isn't something I frown upon, but the complexity introduced into this album feels like its for complexity's sake and not for the sake of the listener.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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