Human Ceremony
by Sunflower Bean
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. 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.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Feb 5, 2016
    60
    Human Ceremony isn’t anywhere near fault-free, but its charm arrives when the trio get ahead of themselves.
  3. Mojo
    Jan 29, 2016
    60
    Alluring, if more cold brewed latte than electric kool aid. [Mar 2016, p.100]
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  5. Paste Magazine
    Feb 5, 2016
    57
    All in all, Sunflower Bean stripped away more than was necessary. The blunt truth is that the refreshing and energizing band that birthed “Tame Impala” and “Rock & Roll Heathen” just didn’t show up to the Human Ceremony recording sessions.
  6. 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.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. 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    … Full Review »
  2. Julian8794
    Oct 17, 2016
    8
    Great album Enjoy!
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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