Jersey Devil
by Ducktails
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. DavidWasHere
    Nov 29, 2017
    6
    While it would be easy to write this album off due to Ducktails frontman Matt Mondanile's personal life and the allogations made towards him recently. But taking that out of the equations, there is something to discuss...kind of. The album's sound has this unique sound of psychedelic instrumentation that is this blend of far-off feels and retro cool, much like the psychedelic hypnagogicWhile it would be easy to write this album off due to Ducktails frontman Matt Mondanile's personal life and the allogations made towards him recently. But taking that out of the equations, there is something to discuss...kind of. The album's sound has this unique sound of psychedelic instrumentation that is this blend of far-off feels and retro cool, much like the psychedelic hypnagogic pop made famous by indie acts like Ariel Pink and James Ferraro. To best describe what the album sounds like, take the retro weirdness of Ariel Pink, mixed with the psychedelic chilled out haze of Mac DeMarco, mixed with the 80s aesthetic on the last Neon Indian album, Vega Intl. Night School, and have it all sung by Elliott Smith. That is the album's sound. And unfortunatley it never rises above just being okay. It is pleasant to listen to, however there isn't anything all that unique outside of the chilled out sound, which unlike the artists mentioned Matt is not as gripping as he wishes he is. And while the Elliott Smith comparison can be a compliment, it really isn't because while Elliott's haunted voice works on his acoustic indie folk tunes, they don't pare well with retro psychedelic indie rock, and often Matt's vocals get drowned out in the mix. But then again if you want to listen to his average lyricism then by all means try to dig them out… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. The Wire
    Dec 19, 2017
    70
    While he operates in similar sonic territory to Ariel Pink, Mondanile is as disarmingly gentle as Pink is strutting and cocky. [Nov 2017, p.67]
  2. DIY Magazine
    Oct 6, 2017
    80
    Jersey Devil comes with a real sense of sharp focus; cleverly worked melodies and handsomely crafted choruses come to the fore, pushing the woozy soundscapes to the back.
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  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 5, 2017
    80
    This weepy and emotive record will probably be glued to many turntables; the ideal soundtrack to a morning coffee.
    Read full review
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