Seabed
by Vondelpark
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. PopMatters
    May 24, 2013
    90
    This is a fun record, one whose effusiveness only reveals itself slowly, with repeat listens opening up more and more emotional layers hovering beneath its sleepy atmosphere.
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 2, 2013
    85
    Seabed is a luscious album that implores you to dive into the gorgeous depths of its sound and atmosphere.
  3. Consequence
    Apr 24, 2013
    80
    It may have taken Vondelpark awhile to hone their craft into an album, but the payoff is one of the more promising debuts of 2013.
  5. XLR8r
    Apr 5, 2013
    80
    It's a confident attempt to stake out a distinguishable sound within the web of influences and like-minded contemporaries the band has been linked to, including stalwarts like New Order and Radiohead, as well as newer faces like James Blake and The xx.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 1, 2013
    80
    While debuts can often be bold and brash, Vondelpark’s alternative, understated approach is to be commended.
  7. BBC Music
    Mar 29, 2013
    80
    Everything is meticulous, not a note out of place--but this studied delivery is successfully supplemented with resounding soul, proving infectious indeed.
  8. Clash Music
    Mar 29, 2013
    80
    This is a beautifully blissed-out record, coloured by minimal rhythms and Lewis Rainsbury’s isolated vocals.
  9. DIY Magazine
    Mar 29, 2013
    80
    A fine album of rich, smooth, sunset-songs.
  10. Pitchfork
    Mar 29, 2013
    78
    Rainsbury, Bailey, and Law showed long ago that they could draw a crowd with a bold gesture, but Seabed's appeal after multiple listens is in its details.
  11. Q Magazine
    Apr 9, 2013
    60
    Occasionally distant, the restrained urgency of Dracula and soulful vocals of Closer ripple with an enticing warmth. [May 2013, p.113]
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  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 2, 2013
    60
    For every James Blake moment there’s a Jamie Woon one, and Seabed could do with less mopiness.
  13. The Quietus
    Apr 5, 2013
    50
    Seabed never really gets out of first gear. The general vibe given off is that of a teenager moping about in his bedroom, albeit one with the skills to emote through slick, well-produced pop music.
  14. Resident Advisor
    Apr 4, 2013
    50
    While it might be beautiful to gaze at momentarily, by the end of the record it's treading water.
  15. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 12, 2013
    40
    Seabed is drained of an expressive self.
  16. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Apr 2, 2013
    30
    Seabed is the worst of all worlds, all fluff without substance and repetition without meaning.

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