Relaxer
by Alt-J
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2017
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
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  1. Record Collector
    Jun 23, 2017
    20
    Alt-J’s retelling of this age-old tale of ill repute has less edge than a mesh sack of Babybel cheeses.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 116
  3. Negative: 9 out of 116
  1. YT_Guyyy
    Jun 2, 2017
    9
    This album is one of alt-J's more consistent albums. It's short, and sweet. The lyrics are great, and the music is more upbeat than theirThis album is one of alt-J's more consistent albums. It's short, and sweet. The lyrics are great, and the music is more upbeat than their previous material. Were I to say a problem with this record it would be their version of House of the Rising Sun; it's a little boring.… Full Review »
  2. MrMemeister
    Jun 3, 2017
    7
    A very consistent and focused project by Alt-J. Although on the first listen it might sound very flat at places, on later ones you'll noticeA very consistent and focused project by Alt-J. Although on the first listen it might sound very flat at places, on later ones you'll notice heavy inspiration from artists like Radiohead and Imagine Dragons. It starts off very strong with "3WW", a very calming and melodic song in the first half becoming more layered in the second, and "In Cold Blood", a melo-dramatic arena-sized epic. What follows those two is sometimes wonderful and sometimes mixed. "Deadcrush" is a moody track, led by eerie vocals and a crushing bassline, while the cover of "House of the Rising Sun" is a slog that only accomplished to sound different than the original. "Adeline" and "Last Year" are generally quiet, spacious tracks, while "Pleader" is a great closer, with a choir and strings at the forefront. All things considered, Relaxer is a worthwhile album, although maybe a bit short for Alt-J fans.
    Favourites: "3WW", "In Cold Blood", "Deadcrush"
    Least Favourites: "House of the Rising Sun"    … Full Review »
  3. scepticpurple
    Jul 15, 2017
    6
    As connoisseurs of the bizarre, Alt J's success has largely arisen from their ability to meticulously amalgamate the avant garde with withAs connoisseurs of the bizarre, Alt J's success has largely arisen from their ability to meticulously amalgamate the avant garde with with enough of a sense of reality to form outlandishly unorthodox but bewilderingly catchy melodies, of which sadly, Relaxer has an unfortunate lack of, and with a startlingly short track list this only shows all the more. Relaxer is by far Alt J's most ambitious and individual album yet, but one that perhaps, is just a little too atypical for anyone but their most devout fans to truly enjoy.… Full Review »
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