• Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Jun 22, 2018
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. Uncut
    Jun 26, 2018
    80
    Purring, pulsing and bathed in neon, this might actually be their essential release. [Aug 2018, p.35]
  2. Jun 26, 2018
    80
    This album was submitted to Radio 1 in lieu of a mix, and in many ways it works better when considered on those terms. Because lots of the tracks have a similar vibe they could blend in perfectly well with each other, and it’s a shame that they don’t overlap at any point as this could have improved the overall experience. However, the album is still immensely enjoyable and generously rewards repeat listens.
  3. Jul 12, 2018
    72
    Essential isn't as essential as its title suggests, but don't let that stop you from seeking it out. It has more of the loveable chaos that once made Soulwax among the most important acts in electronic music. This time it's more controlled.
  4. Jun 26, 2018
    70
    Essential is a strange, adventurous and ultimately enjoyable collection of half-finished, fully realized songs that could only have been crafted by artists as musically brazen and tenured as Soulwax.
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Nov 13, 2020
    7
    not Soulwax's finest hour but still a solid album, no particular tracks stand out but as an hour long house mix it's pretty darn good