Darling of the Afterglow
by Lydia Ainsworth
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    Classically trained, the breadth of Ainsworth’s talent is laid bare on Darling Of The Afterglow.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    Here, it’s clear Ainsworth understands the importance of experimentation, building something familiar yet otherworldly.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    Ainsworth's ornate palette and attention to detail may not attract casual listeners, but those drawn to the icy yet vulnerable strangeness of acts like FKA twigs or certainly Ainsworth's first album will find a rewarding set that expands with repeat plays.
  5. Exclaim
    Mar 29, 2017
    80
    Bold and stirring, Darling of the Afterglow further establishes Lydia Ainsworth as a master of arrangement and melody, and pushes her just a few more inches toward the mainstream, where a larger, captivated following surely--and deservedly--awaits.
  6. PopMatters
    Apr 4, 2017
    70
    While she is hardly the only artist mixing traditional musical forms with contemporary electronics, she does so with her unmistakable touch. Her latest album broadens and expands the reach of her already deft compositions.
  7. Pitchfork
    Apr 17, 2017
    66
    She hasn’t yet sorted out the particular combination of influences that fit her strengths, and few of the songs’ melodies are compelling enough to overcome the album’s strangely stale take on alternative pop.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. jotaeseche
    Apr 30, 2017
    7
    Lydia Ainsworth proves to be one of the most eclectic and versatile producers and performers nowadays, mixing lush orchestral and baroque popLydia Ainsworth proves to be one of the most eclectic and versatile producers and performers nowadays, mixing lush orchestral and baroque pop with oddly dark electronics. However, the formula sometimes doesn't work really well, and the sum of the parts makes for overdubbed and over-the-top songs.… Full Review »
  2. Evic21
    Apr 25, 2017
    7
    While she does have an ear for sound and different styles, it feels like there is too much going on here. Too many styles crammed into 11While she does have an ear for sound and different styles, it feels like there is too much going on here. Too many styles crammed into 11 songs can sound quite cacophonous at times; however, Ainsworth confidently prowls over each track as her voice tumbles and leaps in many interesting ways that keep you listening.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »