Grown Unknown
by Lia Ices
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Mojo
    Apr 4, 2011
    80
    Just like her collaborator Bon Iver, Lia Ices seems to instinctively know that less is delectably more. [Mar 2011, p.p94]
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  2. Uncut
    Feb 23, 2011
    80
    This is a hugely varied set: the title track starts with a barrage of Missy Elliott-style clapping, "New Myth" sounds like a mournful colliery band anthem, while the gorgeous "Daphene" sounds like a folk-rock Fleetwood Mac. [Feb 2011, p.89]
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  3. BBC Music
    Feb 16, 2011
    80
    An album to relax into, over weeks and months, this is one many will be coming back to whenever stress levels flit into the red.
  5. Spin
    Feb 16, 2011
    80
    Ices' lush melodies and dreamy voice will convert skeptics and mesmerize supporters of Kate Bush and Joanna Newsom.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Feb 16, 2011
    76
    Like Vernon's For Emma, Forever Ago, this is Ices' breakthrough album-the first notable release from an artist who will no doubt record more of them in the coming years.
  7. Pitchfork
    Feb 16, 2011
    72
    That kind of less-is-more approach, where all the clutter is shaved down to a paper-thin framework, is where Ices produces her most affecting material, potentially sketching out a new strain of inspiration for her to follow next time out.
  8. AllMusic
    Feb 16, 2011
    70
    Grown Unknown explores a kind of lost elegance: it's half drowned-in-gorgeous-reverb country of the kind Gram Parsons could nod sagely at, half stately post-'60s rock & roll as elegant mood music via the Band rather than Roxy Music.
  9. Filter
    Mar 8, 2011
    68
    As strong and alluring as she may be, however, the album is a straightforward waltz through Bon Iver territory.
  10. NOW Magazine
    Apr 7, 2011
    60
    By never taking her spare, mystical tunes down the typical singer/songwriter avenues, Ices sets herself apart from both the New Age and the folky acoustic guitar sets.
  11. Under The Radar
    Mar 9, 2011
    60
    These rather minimal tracks tempt because of Ices' fervor for ritualistic body percussion and headphone-ready mixing. [Feb 2011, p.73]
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  12. PopMatters
    Feb 16, 2011
    60
    The overall effect of Grown Unknown is subtly powerful. For an album so quiet, so insistent on its plodding pace, there are moments of sheer beauty and surprising energy.

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