Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Feb 3, 2017
    90
    Occult Architecture Vol. 1 makes for a sorcerous entreaty to dig that little bit deeper when weighing up the relationship--and clearly quite inspiring power--of the inner world and the outer realm. Here’s hoping the second installment delivers just as forcefully.
  2. Feb 9, 2017
    80
    Despite the similarities, for the first time, Moon Duo seems less like a side project from Johnson’s other band Wooden Shjips and more like an entity in its own right.
  3. 80
    An album of woozy nuggets of sonic delirium. Step inside.
  4. Mojo
    Feb 1, 2017
    80
    These are top space-jams. [Feb 2017, p.90]
  5. Uncut
    Feb 1, 2017
    80
    As devil worshiping goes, this is pretty funky stuff, with a tight and bouncy tone throughout. [Mar 2017, p.35]
  6. Feb 1, 2017
    80
    What is surprising is how this darker direction unearths a hitherto unearthed pop sensibility in Moon Duo with songs like White Rose and Will of the Devil recalling the gothic melodies of Siouxsie and the Banshees or The Cure at their gloomy best while Creepin’ skips along like something off The Strokes’ first album.
  7. Feb 21, 2017
    71
    Occult Architecture Vol. 1 is a good record that’s at its best when Moon Duo fully give in to these seductive inklings, like on “The Death Set” or “Creepin.’”
  8. Feb 27, 2017
    70
    For now, it’s a worthy instalment in the Moon Duo canon and a fine record on its own terms.
  9. 70
    Still favouring extended excursions (see White Rose), their acquaintance with melody is developing into first-name terms to create a fabulously hypnotic trip.
  10. Feb 6, 2017
    70
    Most times, Moon Duo seems to distill whole rock songs into a single measure, refracted into a million repetitions as through a funhouse mirror.“Creepin’” vamps a blues rock riff into oblivion, transforming heat and friction and diesel dust into something otherworldly. Only “White Rose” is given the room to stretch its limbs.
  11. Feb 6, 2017
    70
    . The more challenging half of the record may still to be released, but judging by the vibrant band on display on Volume 1, we need not worry.
  12. Feb 1, 2017
    70
    Occult Architecture Vol. 1 isn't as daring as its literary influences would suggest, but it succeeds often, particularly when it varies from its central sounds. Moon Duo should embrace the change on volume two.
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. May 2, 2017
    10
    This album is my first Moon Duo album ever to listen to and I think it's worth it to listen. Love the first track and a little bit ofThis album is my first Moon Duo album ever to listen to and I think it's worth it to listen. Love the first track and a little bit of hysterical in the album. Still, love it. Full Review »