Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper
by Panda Bear
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 13, 2015
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 14, 2015
    60
    As it stands, the album sounds like Panda Bear at the height of his unchecked, uncompromised (and, therefore, at times uninventive) powers.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Album of 2015
80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 102
  3. Negative: 7 out of 102
  1. TheEverydayMan
    Jan 13, 2015
    9
    Undeniably the best Animal Collective-related album since Merriweather Post Pavilion. Lennox still retains his classic style of sweeping,Undeniably the best Animal Collective-related album since Merriweather Post Pavilion. Lennox still retains his classic style of sweeping, angelic melodies, but here, the sound is much more compact, almost every track feeling like a battle between the instrumentals and vocals to drown each other out. The beats here are irresistibly trippy; "Come to Your Sense" and "Crosswords" feature grooves that sound like they were pulled from a 2Pac album, and Lennox actually cited a number of old-school hip-hop artists as inspirations for the new album.

    My only complaints regarding the album are that, as good a vocalist as Lennox is, sometimes his voice gets lost in all the animal noises and swirling electronics, and the album is certainly not without its moments of filler. Tracks like "Davy Jones' Locker" and "Shadow of the Colossus," as short as they are, are tracks the album would be just as strong without.

    Luckily, the trippy beats, sophisticated electronics, and Lennox's keen sense of melody easily overshadow any weaknesses here.    … Full Review »
  2. jyo_tirmaya
    Jan 20, 2015
    2
    I can appreciate the energy that was put into this music, but it's too busy, and I hate it when I can't understand at least a little of whatI can appreciate the energy that was put into this music, but it's too busy, and I hate it when I can't understand at least a little of what the frontman is singing. It's like the sound musicians make who can't write real songs...… Full Review »
  3. YungZulu
    Feb 11, 2015
    5
    I can appreciate how intricately layered the music is, but the melodies are very repetitive and don't really go anywhere on this album I enjoyI can appreciate how intricately layered the music is, but the melodies are very repetitive and don't really go anywhere on this album I enjoy songs like Mr. Noah and Tropic of Cancer but most songs are very dull. I also wish Panda Bear had mixed his vocals higher because he sounds like a background singer on his own song.… Full Review »
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