Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. May 1, 2015
    91
    Unfortunately for some, Painted Shut signals the end of Hop Along’s tenure as a little-known buzz band. For everyone else, it’s the sound of being welcomed to the party.
  2. Dec 22, 2015
    90
    It's easy to sound hyperbolic when describing the impact of Quinlan's voice, but she really does prove herself to be among the most captivating rock singers of her generation on Painted Shut. That her vocals are very nearly equaled by the music and the subject matter makes this album a notable one.
  3. 90
    Painted Shut is a phenomenal follow-up to 2012 and one that'll be creepin' on you so hard. No longer is Hop Along the world's best-kept secret.
  4. May 1, 2015
    90
    The three long years since Get Disowned gifted Hop Along the chance to take their sonic sheet lightning and bottle it, giving Painted Shut a razor-sharp focus and economy that doesn't give an inch.
  5. May 6, 2015
    83
    The album proves the singer’s will to catapult into greatness, standing as a testament to just how far a great front-person can push a tried-and-true formula.
  6. Jul 8, 2015
    80
    Central bulbs in the now-blinding chandelier of Philly indie-punk, Hop Along’s thrilling sophomore effort plays out like sonic arrhythmia.
  7. Uncut
    May 28, 2015
    80
    The songs are underpinned by euphoric, tangled guitar rock a la Japandroids, transformed by Quinlan's defiant joy. [Jul 2015, p.77]
  8. May 5, 2015
    80
    Hop Along know how to make these tiny moments feel huge.
  9. May 4, 2015
    80
    While Hop Along’s frontwoman’s vocal still acts like a pummelling, emotive and unmistakable instrument, Hop Along’s sound has expanded accordingly on Painted Shut to fully accommodate her storytelling.
  10. The second album from this perky Philadelphia quartet delivers big on drama and emotion with Frances Quinlan’s voice taking turns between an abrasive snarl and a smooth croon.
  11. May 4, 2015
    79
    For as bullish and dramatic as the music seems, the songs here often escalate for several minutes before making a point you think they’ve already made, like a series of false floors that open to bigger and bigger rooms.
  12. May 5, 2015
    78
    Though Painted Shut only clocks in at 41 minutes total, it feels like a much lengthier record. For fans of Hop Along, that should be just enough. For new listeners, it’s a thorough introduction.
  13. 75
    It’s hard-hitting, but behind every tightly honed riff lies a bubbling sense of optimism, and these songs are as resonant as they come.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 47
  2. Negative: 2 out of 47
  1. Sep 29, 2015
    10
    What is up with this?! I have never enjoy straight-forward alternative rock since I've first listened bands like Spoon or Sleater-Kinney.What is up with this?! I have never enjoy straight-forward alternative rock since I've first listened bands like Spoon or Sleater-Kinney. Frances Quinlan really grows on you, she really suffers, and combined with the amazingly arranged harmonies and hooks, you really end up falling for this band. Every song is a new door you open and found that inside that room, there's more doors to open, finding something exciting every time. This along with No Cities to Love (S-K), and Courtney Barnett's debut, really gives me high hopes about alternative rock bands, say all feminine or with a front-woman, which we should all listen to. Full Review »
  2. May 29, 2015
    8
    While it does have catchy guitar lines, clean production, and memorable songwriting, the key factor that makes Painted Shut great is theWhile it does have catchy guitar lines, clean production, and memorable songwriting, the key factor that makes Painted Shut great is the energetic and eccentric vocal presentation from frontwoman Frances Quinlan. Easily one of the best indie rock albums of the year and of recent memory. Full Review »
  3. Oct 18, 2021
    7
    Visceral back to the basic alternative rock. Propelled by sandpaper vocals and inescapable choruses. The sheer amount of riffs is reminiscentVisceral back to the basic alternative rock. Propelled by sandpaper vocals and inescapable choruses. The sheer amount of riffs is reminiscent of the challenge that bore the bends "Just " . Nothing about their sound feels original and that's to say the stick to tried and tested rock formulas but that doesn't dull the record's enjoyment,it actually adds to it. Making it feel familiar. Full Review »