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Present Tense Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 70 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the British four-piece was co-produced by Lexxx and Leo Abrahams.
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Top Track

Mecca
All we want is to feel that feeling again Just a drop of a lips and we're moving a quip There are some things that gotta be quick, yeah All we want... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 100
    They’ve pulled off possibly the most intelligent, involving and profound record since OK Computer.
  2. Feb 18, 2014
    90
    It is an album by a band at the very peak of their powers--one that will make you want to throw your hands up and surrender to its magnificent beauty.
  3. Mar 7, 2014
    90
    The way Wild Beasts can’t seem to play a bum note or place a single syllable in the wrong verse, makes Present Tense one of the most quietly exhilarating albums in recent memory, and all the more so for using its evocative power to unsettle and seduce in equal measure.
  4. Q Magazine
    Feb 14, 2014
    80
    The work of a richly creative entity still in the ascendant, those with a mind to will drink deep. [Mar 2014, p.116]
  5. Feb 24, 2014
    80
    Present Tense isn't as flawless as Smother; it's slightly top-loaded, and occasionally the spare instrumentation borders on monotonous. Still, it's a compelling album that shows Wild Beasts can build on their breakthrough in satisfying and challenging ways.
  6. Feb 21, 2014
    80
    He's probably too modest to just come out and say that Present Tense is where beauty lies, but he should; this fourth Wild Beasts album is a stunner.
  7. 60
    “Wanderlust” establishes the overall thematic impulse to live culturally beyond one’s means, but in practice this can lead to the preference for smarts over suitability that spoils a track like “A Dog’s Life”. But there are moments of greatness here and there.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Feb 25, 2014
    10
    This is almost perfect! I thought it was impossible to make something better than "Smother" (Their previous one) but I) was wrong. This albumThis is almost perfect! I thought it was impossible to make something better than "Smother" (Their previous one) but I) was wrong. This album means a very possitive evolution.

    Will they make anything better for the 5th album? Now the top is high so it's difficult to say!
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  2. May 10, 2020
    10
    Okay. Let's try not be too hyperbolic. This is truly a masterpiece. And I really can't give more than 4 albums a 10. Didn't like it at first?Okay. Let's try not be too hyperbolic. This is truly a masterpiece. And I really can't give more than 4 albums a 10. Didn't like it at first? Try again, trust me. Give yourself a dark room and submit. Expand
  3. Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Very interesting indie rock music, accompanied by great lyrics and calming vocals. My favorite tracks are: Mecca, Daughters, A SimpleVery interesting indie rock music, accompanied by great lyrics and calming vocals. My favorite tracks are: Mecca, Daughters, A Simple Beautiful Truth, A Dog's Life, Past Perfect, and Palace. Expand
  4. Feb 25, 2014
    9
    The moods that Present Tense gives off are not as delightful as the pop structure in which they are presented. Speaking in terms of sensation,The moods that Present Tense gives off are not as delightful as the pop structure in which they are presented. Speaking in terms of sensation, and what it means to be, are what songs like Wanderlust spew. The words "feel" are one of the most often used words through out the album, which gets sort of obnoxious once you begin to notice its repetition. That said, repetition in this case does not equal over use, because each time the word it is spoken, it is in a new context.
    Wild Beasts have two lead singers, and knows exactly how to use them. Although contrast is more prominent between tracks than within them, it is still evident in the hook of Nature Boy, the way the "Feel the things you'll never feel," are sung can only be described as chilling. The sincerity of his baritone vibratos like a tennis ball in your ear. Vocal contrast is another thing, because it seems when switched back to the more tenor voice, the instruments backing him up move with him. This is not a make or break point of the album, but something that could be missing.
    There is a lot more I could say about this album, but I'm very lazy.
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  5. Mar 16, 2014
    9
    Wild Beasts never cease to amaze me. They produce music unlike any other band out there at the moment and this album is no different -Wild Beasts never cease to amaze me. They produce music unlike any other band out there at the moment and this album is no different - brilliantly unique. Expand
  6. Mar 12, 2014
    9
    Present Tense is excellence, a brilliant record with complex lyrics, cleaner and stronger vocals and of course beautiful music, it's one ofPresent Tense is excellence, a brilliant record with complex lyrics, cleaner and stronger vocals and of course beautiful music, it's one of the best albums of this astounding year. Expand
  7. Jul 30, 2016
    0
    Really disappointing compared to their previous albums! The spark of brilliance has been lost, the songs don't translate well live either,Really disappointing compared to their previous albums! The spark of brilliance has been lost, the songs don't translate well live either, poor show and a shame Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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