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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
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  1. Feb 22, 2021
    10
    A rather unexpected delight - far from having the feel of a stopgap side project, the tuneful new album from the Vampire Weekend stalwart is easily his best yet and deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as those from his day job. Inventiveness, experimentation and genre-hopping are all part and parcel of the VW experience - and so it is with Dead Hand Control, which bursts andA rather unexpected delight - far from having the feel of a stopgap side project, the tuneful new album from the Vampire Weekend stalwart is easily his best yet and deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as those from his day job. Inventiveness, experimentation and genre-hopping are all part and parcel of the VW experience - and so it is with Dead Hand Control, which bursts and twinkles with ideas. The utterly wonderful ‘Never Never Never’ brings to mind ‘Come Dancing’-era Kinks, and indeed many of the album’s most charming moments dip their toes in that early-to-mid 80s era. Some of the tracks are long but do not outstay their welcome, melding and welding ideas and styles. Expand
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Feb 2, 2021
    50
    The act of combining musical stylings that range from African tribal beats through to Talking Heads inspired synth pop, with lyrics that seek to overcome a divisive social culture is an intention nothing short of universal. It’s just in the execution where he falls short, leaving little to the imagination of the listeners on an album that strikes a rather predictable tone.
  2. Jan 28, 2021
    70
    Unlike his previous albums, the play times on Dead Hand Control vary widely, with tracks sometimes transitioning into one another. It ultimately has the effect of a night out at the club or, more precisely, a series of 12" extended dance mixes à la the 1980s that are cued up among radio cuts.
  3. Jan 28, 2021
    80
    Packed full of bright ideas and moreish hooks, ‘Dead Hand Control’ is a hopeful document about finding peace in your relationships and immediate surroundings, even when the world is on fire.