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In Conflict
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In Conflict Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth solo studio release for the Canadian composer features contributions from Brian Eno and the Czech FILMharmonic Orchestra.
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Top Track

I Am Not Afraid
I am not afraid, he said, of the non-believer within me No delight at the pain of my enemies no tears for any friends I have lost You are not alone,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Magnet
    May 21, 2014
    95
    In Conflict is his masterpiece--if not the best album of 2014, certainly the most profound. [No. 109, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    May 21, 2014
    85
    On In Conflict the Canadian composer has managed to translate that energy into his recordings ,making his music as invigorating as it is soothing, as exciting as it is impressive and as complex as it is accessible.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    May 22, 2014
    80
    It may lack the fictional cryptic storytelling of Pallett's past work but such elements were merely peripheral to the overall picture--this is art set loose on pop with its teeth bared.
  4. NOW Magazine
    May 21, 2014
    80
    Pallett’s inventive textures lend emotional weight to some of the deliberately mundane lyrical details, so the album is at once beautifully ethereal and painfully real.
  5. Spin
    May 27, 2014
    80
    In Conflict is queer outsider art at its most fraught and compelling.
  6. The Guardian
    Dec 18, 2014
    80
    In Conflict hits a perfect art/pop balance.
  7. DIY Magazine
    May 21, 2014
    60
    It’s an undeniably strong album, in which existing fans will find much to love. It just isn’t quite ‘Heartland’.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. vicyamusicgreat
    May 30, 2014
    9
    Although there appears to be naught as much to elicit that locomotive elevating feeling on this album as is Lewis Takes Off His Shirt andAlthough there appears to be naught as much to elicit that locomotive elevating feeling on this album as is Lewis Takes Off His Shirt and Tryst with Mephistopheles (tryst possessing here its nonsexual connotation and denotation) from the grand and triumphant Heartland, this is indeed another success for perceptive, musical Owen and all those of us with the luck to give him a listen-to.… Expand
  2. adhamhany
    Aug 8, 2014
    9
    Totally mesmerizing. I could hardly do anything else but listen to this beautiful music. Rich, layered, powerful, and ultimately captivating.Totally mesmerizing. I could hardly do anything else but listen to this beautiful music. Rich, layered, powerful, and ultimately captivating. The lyrics are also great; but to me, the music is the true star.

    Sure, there are songs that didn't reach the level of others. It's not perfect, but very close to being one. The tracks to look out for are: I Am Not Afraid, the title track, Song For Five and Six, The Sky Behind The Flag, The Riverbed, Soldier's Rock, and "→, Part 2" (instrumental).    … Expand
  4. Thatmusicguy
    May 27, 2014
    9
    In conflict has everything I anticipated for: a pizzicato here, soul-sucking melody there (with Pallett's definitive croon as always), greatIn conflict has everything I anticipated for: a pizzicato here, soul-sucking melody there (with Pallett's definitive croon as always), great lyrics with plenty of emotion, and a beautiful production overall. There is also a great flow to album where Owen's passionate themes eventually lead to a freakishly catchy conclusion on 'Infernal Fantasy' where the marvelous percussion and Eno's steady backing vocals play out. It may not be what I expected after Heartland but this time Owen has decided to cut back on the wildly fictional (but mesmerizing) stories and has focused on something truly deep and meaningful.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2014

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