Feel the Sound
by Imperial Teen
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. Billboard.com
    Feb 2, 2012
    87
    A playful effort that comes from an ease with pop hooks and power-pop chords, a knowledge of how to employ a steady beat.
  2. Mojo
    Jul 10, 2013
    80
    [The album] effortlessly skips across sounds and styles like a human Wurlitzer. [Aug 2013, p.98]
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  3. Dusted Magazine
    Jan 27, 2012
    80
    Imperial Teen crafts a super-clean, super-sharp, inordinately complex collection of songs that, nonetheless, go down like cherry cola.
  5. AllMusic
    Jan 26, 2012
    80
    The wealth of hook-heavy pop wonders alone makes Feel the Sound a fantastic record, but the sure-footed air of confidence and self-assurance that carries the record is what truly cements Imperial Teen as more of an institution than a band.
  6. Spin
    Jan 26, 2012
    80
    Imperial Teen still sound as fresh and vital as ever.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Jan 31, 2012
    75
    The new Feel The Sound--Imperial Teen's first album in five years--is similarly adult-minded, but remarkably more assured and hopeful.
  8. The Boston Phoenix
    Jan 26, 2012
    75
    No bad songs, but any other record they've made is better.
  9. Consequence
    Feb 1, 2012
    70
    Imperial Teen have regularly delighted fans with their recorded material's impish tendencies, and Feel the Sound is no exception.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Jan 31, 2012
    70
    It's still cool to hear "Last to Know" endorse "pumped-up pecs and sticky skin," while "Over His Head" and "Hanging About" are perfect for pretending the Pacific Coast Highway is the Autobahn.
  11. Under The Radar
    Jan 30, 2012
    70
    Those who invest the time will be rewarded with a record rife with glorious hooks, harmonies, and heart. [#39, p.69]
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  12. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 15, 2012
    67
    They dip in the pop-rock pool and spread the bubbly referents in ways that may confound yet still engage kids.
  13. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 30, 2012
    66
    Feel the Sound is not a classic, it's not a masterpiece, and despite its pristine delivery, it's not perfect. But it is an honest and genuine sampling of a band who continues to subvert expectations.
  14. Prefix Magazine
    Jan 27, 2012
    65
    The sleekness of the production--this is far gauzier than the straight-ahead brilliance of On--can get in the way sometimes.
  15. Pitchfork
    Feb 7, 2012
    62
    For the most part, though, from robotic-but-rambunctious opener "Runaway" to the late-album one-two closing swoon of "It's You" and "Overtaken", Feel the Sound leans on Imperial Teen's puppyish charm and love for soft-rock's smooth bliss.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    7
    Imperial Teen and their "Feel the Sound" is holding a good level of indie rock. Songs such as rock "Runaway", "All The Same" or similar to theImperial Teen and their "Feel the Sound" is holding a good level of indie rock. Songs such as rock "Runaway", "All The Same" or similar to the Garbage "Hanging About" and the swinging "Do not Know How You Do It" are quickly memorable. This CD is not full of distinctive composition comparing with rest of material, but perhaps this is an advantage of this album, those 40 minutes go by very quickly.… Full Review »
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