Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. The record sounds like a seamless amalgamation of the three Hole eras (punk, grunge and rock), with Dalle’s ska roots almost entirely supplanted in favour of a grungier muse.
  2. This is heavy pop at its very best.
  3. [Dalle] may be the New Courtney Love, at times even the Punk PJ Harvey, but she also has a depth of emotion that was last displayed by Kurt Cobain.
  4. All you have to do is plug Coral Fang in and turn it on to experience [Dalle's] greatness.
  5. Spin
    83
    Fang's edge is a bit more mosh-by-numbers than Hole's. [Dec 2003, p.129]
  6. In making a record with such universal themes of love and hate, and sounding so pissed off in the process, Brody has inadvertently made herself the most important new rock star in the world.
  7. A series of punk songs that balance throat-shredding, brain-rattling intensity with an undercurrent of sadness and vulnerability.
  8. Coral Fang impresses not just by some nebulous "punk" standards, but by the standards of just about anyone who wants to be rocked gently out of sleep by the dulcet tones of thrashing guitars, pogo-friendly love songs, and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals since Exene Cervenka wailed her way out of the nihilistic abyss that cartographers call "L.A."
  9. So what if the clean-ish production elicits screams of "Sellout!" from longtime fans? This is good stuff. Somewhere, Courtney Love is wishing she made this album.
  10. Beyond Dalle's rusty-razor delivery, though, little about ''Coral Fang'' is remotely dangerous or shocking.
  11. Uncut
    70
    At once punchy and overwrought, and blessed with some extremely good, if slightly monotonous, tunes. [Nov 2003, p.120]
  12. The Distillers subtract a little of Joan Jett's poppy tunefulness and add (even) more aggressive vocals. If that sounds good to you, you'll at least like this album.
  13. Blender
    70
    The record's initial thrill comes from the confidence with which the Distillers and producer Gil Norton revive rock as a demolishing force. [Nov 2003, p.116]
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Negative: 7 out of 50
  1. Sep 15, 2020
    10
    This album has aged like fine wine. Initially people argued that this is the most "un-punk" album and trashed it. I don't know about you butThis album has aged like fine wine. Initially people argued that this is the most "un-punk" album and trashed it. I don't know about you but there's nothing more punk that creating something because you need to get it off your chest - not to please your fanbase.

    Fast-forward to 2019 at the Reading festival show, and it's clear this album has relevancy and meaning to Brody in regards to the culmination of her marriage with Josh Homme.
    Full Review »
  2. Feb 23, 2013
    10
    The Distiller could have been the next Hole or Sex Pistols for that matter. This album was straight up in your face punk rock. No questionsThe Distiller could have been the next Hole or Sex Pistols for that matter. This album was straight up in your face punk rock. No questions ask. A kick ass punk album. I highly recommend it. Highlight tracks: "The Hunger", "Hall of Mirrors", "Love is Paranoid", "Drain the Blood", "Die on a Rope", "Beat Your Heart Out", "Coral Fang", "Dismantle Me", "Death Sex", "The Gallow is God" "For Tonight You're Only Here to Know." Full Review »
  3. FabioL
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    Brody has such a unique voice, and the distillers are great musicians. I love this album! That being said, I am more of a fan to her earlier Brody has such a unique voice, and the distillers are great musicians. I love this album! That being said, I am more of a fan to her earlier work... there was so much to be said in Sing Sing Death House. Coral Fang is great nonetheless :) Full Review »