I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep
by Ghostpoet
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: May 1, 2020
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    May 4, 2020
    85
    Brilliantly produced, thematically solid, prescient, insightful and witty: it tackles with aplomb the paradoxical themes of isolation and overconnectivity, anxiety and the seeming proximity of death.
  2. AllMusic
    May 11, 2020
    80
    I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep has a despairing seductive power.
  3. Q Magazine
    May 5, 2020
    80
    These 10 tracks sustain a brooding atmosphere. [Jul 2020, p.109]
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  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 1, 2020
    80
    His latest offering is powered by some lovely, liquid bass playing that offers a silvery thread through the textured mélange of disjointed electronic noises, splintered guitars and ghostly traces of strings. It is certainly not for everyone. But Ejimiwe’s relentlessly downbeat delivery may have finally found its moment.
  6. DIY Magazine
    May 1, 2020
    80
    Social despondency and visceral frustration run throughout ‘I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep’, a masterful soundtrack to a failing society - one that carries even more weight as we redefine community, connection and togetherness.
  7. Mojo
    Apr 30, 2020
    80
    Two nuanced, outstanding duets with French avant-popper SaraSara help lighten the all-consuming existential despair. [Jun 2020, p.91]
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  8. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 30, 2020
    80
    Gone is much of the external noise – typewriter clatters, vinyl crackles and the whir of bicycle spokes – replaced by ambitiously ornate compositions. As on Dark Days, I Grow Tired feels spookily prescient.
  9. Clash Music
    Apr 30, 2020
    80
    With this, Ghostpoet has created another fantastic, authentic body of work, meeting those high expectations.
  10. Uncut
    Apr 30, 2020
    70
    Ejimiwe has made a record filled with quiet bubbling tension yet also leaves room for lightness, offering a glimmer of hope amid the brooding dread. [Jun 2020, p.29]
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  11. musicOMH.com
    Apr 30, 2020
    70
    Over the past decade Ghostpoet has crafted his own niche, one in which dramatic instrumentation is paired with his inimitable drawl, and this record further solidifies the style that he’s known for, albeit with a few missteps along the way.
  12. The Observer (UK)
    May 4, 2020
    60
    Sometimes, everything combines arrestingly: sounds, words and resonance. ... Where this record falters is when Ghostpoet’s writing turns prosaic, and when the echoes of other artists become impossible to ignore.
  13. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 30, 2020
    60
    While this fifth album, marrying incisive political commentary with intense introspection, epitomises Ghostpoet, it doesn’t add any new colours to his palette. He doesn’t sound like he’s even trying to push himself.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Ricko
    Aug 16, 2020
    7
    Lots to admire here. Interesting sound that crosses a number of genres. Cool vocal delivery, off kilter rhythms and guitars over steady bassLots to admire here. Interesting sound that crosses a number of genres. Cool vocal delivery, off kilter rhythms and guitars over steady bass loops. Brings Radioheads later stuff to mind but of course without their collective songwriting genius. There is a lot of style here and it all sounds pretty cool but in terms of substance I'm not sold on it and will probably just listen to Radiohead or Faithless for this kind of stuff when I feel the need.… Full Review »
  2. Lajaleaa
    Jun 23, 2020
    8
    ( 86/100 )

    Un proyecto totalmente interesante por parte de Obaro Ejimiwe del Reino Unido, que merece mucho más atención y admiración de la    ( 86/100 )

    Un proyecto totalmente interesante por parte de Obaro Ejimiwe del Reino Unido, que merece mucho más atención y admiración de la que ha logrado. Con una esencia tan autentica que me recuerda a Yves Tumor, este álbum tiene un potencial y un poder increíble y duro de imaginar. Con letras ingeniosas y audaces sobre al existencia y la auto-percepción en un mundo complejo, sus instrumentos tienen un propio discurso, estilo y, en general, el álbum es un acuerdo muy inteligente entre concepciones instrumentales, discursos emocionantes, estructuras rítmicas, energías misteriosas y voces políticas. Cada canción tiene su propia aura y la genialidad de la narrativa musical permite baile, imaginación y euforia. Producido por él mismo, este álbum es una experiencia definitiva que es necesaria para los hambrientos de emoción, música original y espíritu de autenticidad.
    -
    A totally interesting project courtesy of Obaro Ejimiwe of United Kingdom that deserves a lot more attention and admiration that the one that has achieved. With an authentic essence, it reminds me of Yves Tumor, this album has an incredible and hard to imagine potential and power. With clever and bold lyrics of the existence and auto-perception in a complex world, his instruments have a proper speech, style and, in general, the whole album is an intelligent agreement between instruments, exiting speeches, rhythmic structures mysterious energies and politic voices. Each song has its own aura and the greatness of the musical narrative allows dance, imagination, and euphoria. Produced by himself, this album is a must and definitive experience for those hungry of excitement, original music, and spirit of authenticity.    … Full Review »
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