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Human Ceremony
by
Human Ceremony Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the Brooklyn trio of Julia Cumming, Nick Kivlen, and Jacob Faberwas produced by Matt Molnar.
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Wall Watcher
Watching, watching, watching, watching you Watching, watching, watching, watching you Watching, I'm watching you (you) What's it like in your... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The Guardian
    Feb 4, 2016
    80
    This is not a lazily retrogressive record however: its melodies burst with the fidgety energy of youth and ambition.
  2. AllMusic
    Feb 5, 2016
    80
    Human Ceremony is an impressive debut from a band who seem positioned to make many more excellent albums if they can continue to do such a good job of mining the past for gold and revamping it in their own fashion like they do so well here.
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 16, 2016
    80
    Human Ceremony is an instinctive record, with the band more than happy to act on an impulse. The enthusiasm of the band is infectious, always remaining grounded but delightfully exploring their own infinite limitations.
  4. Spin
    Apr 1, 2016
    70
    Sunflower Bean have enough homegrown ability between them to draw up a series of immersing and original compositions.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jan 29, 2016
    69
    The band’s diverse influences sound best when Kivlen's voice serves as a darker echo of Cumming’s angelic optimism, especially in a call and response. But the band's hodgepodge approach doesn't always work.
  6. Record Collector
    Feb 26, 2016
    60
    Singer Julia Cummings’ saccharine vocals overpower as they search for meaning and purpose. Sadly, they end up being somewhat more tepid and irritating.
  7. PopMatters
    Feb 17, 2016
    40
    Ultimately, Human Ceremony is unremarkable despite its flaws. Its moments of vigor and excitement are repeatedly undercut by the overwhelming familiarity of it all.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. jcountaw
    Feb 19, 2016
    9
    I found this album to be quite intoxicating...a wonderful, well-thought-out blend of new and old sound. Julia's vocals are so soothing. SomeI found this album to be quite intoxicating...a wonderful, well-thought-out blend of new and old sound. Julia's vocals are so soothing. Some of my favourite tracks are "Easier Said", "This Kind of Feeling", "I Was Home" and "Space Exploration Disaster." Will definitely have this album on repeat for awhile.… Expand
  2. Julian8794
    Oct 17, 2016
    8
    Great album Enjoy!
  4. Hethoss
    Oct 13, 2016
    7
    I feel that this album good, especially for a first full-length album, although there are some clunky parts. The backup vocals provided byI feel that this album good, especially for a first full-length album, although there are some clunky parts. The backup vocals provided by Nick Kivlen can provide a nice call and response effect, although some parts feel awkward and forced. This band has a relatively steady sound with a psychedelic feel throughout the album but there is some hard rock focused songs scattered throughout the LP. Overall, a good album and I'm excited to see what they do next.… Expand
  5. Custom_Concerns
    Mar 5, 2016
    6
    Human Ceremony is enjoyable while it is playing, but there isn't a lot of comeback quality here. The musical ideas are generally interestingHuman Ceremony is enjoyable while it is playing, but there isn't a lot of comeback quality here. The musical ideas are generally interesting and played well, but the album lacks the sort of conviction that makes strong indie rock albums something special.… Expand
  6. proterospongia
    Feb 5, 2016
    6
    Listening to Human Ceremony as a whole-album experience is not so rewarding, but listening to one piece at a time can reveal some pleasurableListening to Human Ceremony as a whole-album experience is not so rewarding, but listening to one piece at a time can reveal some pleasurable surprises. Sunflower Bean's indie-pop-meets-psychedelia style of making music is not a novelty, but their ability to make hard rock infusions throughout the album is promising. Let's wait for a better work in their next project.

    Best tracks: I Was Home, Creation Myth, Space Exploration Disaster    … Expand

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