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Open Season
by
Open Season Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

  • Summary: The tree-climbing, ice shelf-loving, Brighton, England band's second album follows two years after their debut ('The Decline Of British Sea Power') brought them critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Mads Bjerke (Spiritualized) produced.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Stylus Magazine
    91
    By adding textures, piano, acoustic guitars, and restraint, and losing some of the scowling and savagery, BSP have unleashed a truly unique pop creation, one with depth and feeling.
  2. No Ripcord
    90
    British Sea Power are not only the best band around, they’re also the best songwriters.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Whether they're prepared for it or not, 'Open Season' is set to transcend indie cliques and hardcore raving mentalist fanbases and blow BSP wide open.
  4. Pitchfork
    78
    By maintaining their singular aesthetic while venturing into more inviting pop sounds, the weirdest band from Brighton just might have become the smartest.
  5. The A.V. Club
    70
    British Sea Power's momentum flags down the stretch, but so long as it keeps generating songs like the hazy "Killing Moon" re-write "Like A Honeycomb," the band can return all it wants to the days of sweet sorrow.
  6. Dot Music
    70
    Febrile, idiosyncratic, epic yet fun: "Open Season" may not raise eyebrows but it has – thank God - raised the hitherto pitifully low bar for British guitar rock.
  7. PopMatters
    40
    The potential is definitely there, but I can't help feeling that BSP have taken a step back from the promise of their first outing.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. PeterD
    Apr 5, 2005
    10
    I just hate anyone that doesn't like this album. They have no soul.
  2. DoubtingThomas
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    A great young band who carry forward the spirit once exuded by Brit pop stalwarts Echo & The Bunnymen, Julian Cope, and The Smiths.
  4. DaveD
    Sep 10, 2009
    10
    Absolutely outstanding album. Brimming with beautiful imagery and stunning settings, the album has a real epic quality.
  5. DavidG
    Apr 8, 2005
    9
    Quality album - trying to be different to "the decline of...", which is appreciated. "Please stand up" and "The land beyond" are highlights Quality album - trying to be different to "the decline of...", which is appreciated. "Please stand up" and "The land beyond" are highlights for me at the moment.… Expand
  6. Ricko
    Oct 27, 2014
    8
    BSP have a nice spacey brand of indie rock, often reminding me of how Pulp would sound without their charismatic frontman. "Open Season" isBSP have a nice spacey brand of indie rock, often reminding me of how Pulp would sound without their charismatic frontman. "Open Season" is definitely a grower. On the surface we have 11 reasonably straightforward guitar driven tracks, however repeated listens to the record allows it to unfold into something much more detailed. For the most part, the album has a distinct feel to it - very spacey and chilled out. Having said this, there is always an anthemic feel to the songs. "Please Stand Up" is my favourite track on the album but there are plenty of other highlights accompanying it. Well worth checking out… Expand
  7. JohnR
    Apr 6, 2005
    7
    Doesn't quite reach their first record, this one still has a handful of stellar tracks. A little samey through the middle third, but a Doesn't quite reach their first record, this one still has a handful of stellar tracks. A little samey through the middle third, but a solid disc nonetheless.… Expand
  8. PauloD
    Jun 2, 2005
    4
    the album have a variety of influences from beatles, david bowie mixed with modern britpop but the songs don't have personality and the the album have a variety of influences from beatles, david bowie mixed with modern britpop but the songs don't have personality and the "indie" feel this efort have it can make you bored of this band.… Expand

See all 24 User Reviews