Hirudin
by Austra
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 1, 2020
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
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  1. RTAir
    May 3, 2020
    9
    A true body of work, HiRUDiN is cohesive from start to finish. In terms of sound, it is unlike any of the previous albums – and quite possibly contains Austra’s strongest songwriting to date, encapsulating the whirlwind of emotions preceding, during, and following a break-up. The influence of the likes of Björk or Kate Bush can be felt throughout. Despite its intimate nature, the recordA true body of work, HiRUDiN is cohesive from start to finish. In terms of sound, it is unlike any of the previous albums – and quite possibly contains Austra’s strongest songwriting to date, encapsulating the whirlwind of emotions preceding, during, and following a break-up. The influence of the likes of Björk or Kate Bush can be felt throughout. Despite its intimate nature, the record doesn’t omit traditional bangers, reminiscent of Austra’s early years. A triumphant return to form.

    Highlights: Anywayz, All I Wanted, How Did You Know?, Messiah    … Expand
  2. MarcosAleman
    May 1, 2020
    10
    This whole album is so incredible and each song is so unique, beautiful and meaningful ✨♥️
  3. dramatickid
    May 21, 2020
    8
    The most intimate, sentimental and heartbreaking Austra record to date. Katie Stelmanis' voice sounds as great and dramatic as ever and it's enhanced by her strongest and most personal/relatable songwriting in her career. The production results in an enchanting layering of synths and piano which never sounds trivial or dull throughout the whole record. Easily her best album since Feel it Break.
  4. lovezero
    May 2, 2020
    9
    Her latest hasn't got as powerful songs compared to the "future politics" but it includes one of the best songs of 2020 "Mountain Baby". "Anywayz", "Risk it", and "Messiah " are way too honest noticeable tracks here.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. No Ripcord
    Jun 8, 2020
    60
    She's a vibrant presence on Anywayz and How Did You Know, pushing her operatic vocals over soaring, anthemic choruses. But that's not enough to save an album that, despite sounding so busy and hectic, fails to generate much excitement—even if Stelmanis' emotional downward spiral is compelling in the lyrical sense.
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  2. DIY Magazine
    May 11, 2020
    70
    While the unique sonics and instrumentation of this album are notably brilliant, they at times feel disjointed on a track-to-track basis.
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  3. Pitchfork
    May 6, 2020
    73
    The most dynamic of Austra’s albums, HiRUDiN cultivates the raw pleasure of pop hooks without shying from the strangeness and discordance that has lit up the project since its 2011 debut.
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