Dark in Here
by The Mountain Goats
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jun 25, 2021
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
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  1. Jordan8675309
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    Not that this is even my favorite Mountain Goats album or that the songs are amazing—they are just so catchy & downtempo that it has become the literal constant daily soundtrack in my head since the day it came out on June 26th. I wish I could get it out of my head to be honest. But as far as earworms go, this is the least aggressive.
  2. bartewing
    Jun 29, 2021
    0
    The Mgs are on a roll with 3 albums in a year (not even counting the fantastic Jordan Lake's Sessions) Each of the 3 is a unique statement with a different tone, all are marvelous in their own way. Dark in Here distinguishes itself with the continuation of the Mgs evolution of a full band where the musical composition matches the words in excellence. Getting Into Knives was a slap acrossThe Mgs are on a roll with 3 albums in a year (not even counting the fantastic Jordan Lake's Sessions) Each of the 3 is a unique statement with a different tone, all are marvelous in their own way. Dark in Here distinguishes itself with the continuation of the Mgs evolution of a full band where the musical composition matches the words in excellence. Getting Into Knives was a slap across the face, Dark in Here is more a long savoring and reflection of a good whiskey… Collapse
  3. Fractalcathedra
    Jun 26, 2021
    10
    Fantastic album, been listening on repeat since yesterday. I've been a fan of John Darnielle and crew since The Sunset Tree, and have listened and enjoyed all of their albums since (and before) then, and this one is clicking a little bit more than Songs For Pierre Chuvin or Getting Into Knives did on first listen. Both of those are also great, but some just resonate a bit more, and thisFantastic album, been listening on repeat since yesterday. I've been a fan of John Darnielle and crew since The Sunset Tree, and have listened and enjoyed all of their albums since (and before) then, and this one is clicking a little bit more than Songs For Pierre Chuvin or Getting Into Knives did on first listen. Both of those are also great, but some just resonate a bit more, and this one definitely is top-tier for me. Not a song on here felt like a dud, it's rich and complex songwriting, and unfolds over multiple listens.

    You could probably file this album with their more understated albums, but it's got all the classic Mountain Goats ingredients, along with some kind of mature, smokey, chilled out vibes. It's not dark in a menacing way, but in a "Drive home alone and listen to the slow parts." kind of way, or smoking weed and staring into the darkened room kind of way. I super appreciate them, glad they're still making the kind of quality music that can touch your soul and change the way you look at the world.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jul 6, 2021
    80
    Layers of clever reference resolve into songs that resonate emotionally. They’re smarter than most songs and better played, but they also have that elusive way of landing, so that they seem to tell you more about life and persistence and suffering than what’s in the words.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Jul 6, 2021
    80
    Like many of their peers and contemporaries from Bill Callahan to Superchunk, the thrill with a new Mountain Goats record is just how similar it’ll be to your favourite thing they’ve done in the past. And this is, well, pretty close to your favourite (whatever that may be…).
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  3. AllMusic
    Jul 2, 2021
    80
    Without drawing undo attention to himself, Darnielle has been moving from strength to strength as one of indie rock's most vital and original talents, and Dark in Here demonstrates he's working at the top of his game and it's a joy to hear.
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