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Set Free is a triumph, full of tunes that affect well beyond their modest means.
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MagnetSet Free is no rehash, simply an album whose parameters are clearly defined in order that its interiors can be brought to life. [#69, p.86]
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It shimmers and sulks, adding a rich dimension to the group's already delicious sound.
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Set Free gives 2001’s Know by Heart - critically acclaimed and widely regarded as Amanset’s masterpiece - a serious run for its money.
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It remains to be seen whether this is the record for which American Analog Set's fans have been waiting a decade, but Set Free is definitely one of the most consistent, mature albums they've made to date.
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Never ratcheted up over a pleasantly throbbing pulse, this is music as anti-depressant, mood enhancer, and muscle relaxant.
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UrbA late-night dorm room essential. [Oct 2005, p.84]
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Alternative PressWhile earlier efforts verged on immateriality, Set Free memorably mixes acoustic strums, brushed drums and Andrew Kenny's wistful vocals. [Nov 2005, p.208]
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While it sounded on 2003’s Promise of Love that the American Analog Set were turning themselves into a shoegaze-revival band, Set Free sounds more in line with the gentle atmospheric rock on their finest album, 1999’s The Golden Band.
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American Analog Set have been accused of writing the same song over and over - and over - again, and Set Free isn't immune to that.
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For existing fans, they'll either be happy to hear another assured rehash of the band's classic sound, or disappointed that it's just a rehash.
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MojoWhile Kenny still sounds like he's mumbling mantras to himself, the band's soft-focus allure remains undiminished. [Oct 2005, p.102]
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This is the most engrossing American Analog Set album in six or seven years.
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Set Free is ultimately just another American Analog Set album-- and probably the least essential at that.
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Set Free’s singularity is also its greatest flaw, and a band that adheres to a formula as strictly as the AmAnSet does to its will never make a masterpiece, despite the fact that every track on this album is good.
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The band could use some clearer lyrics and a stronger focus. And leave the instrumentals to groups with more than two prominent instruments.
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Under The RadarThere are some good tracks... but after 10 years and now their sixth full-length, you would think the band would just get bored making so much of the same music. [#11, p.109]
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New Musical Express (NME)Terrific to get stoned to, the unfortunate upshot being that this is music that makes you fall asleep. [3 Sep 2005, p.74]
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Q MagazineMonotonous riffs are churned out at a snail's pace. [Oct 2005, p.114]
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UncutPleasantly discreet, resolutely unengaging. [Oct 2005, p.107]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 5
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Mixed: 0 out of 5
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Negative: 0 out of 5
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T-WiLLOct 19, 2005
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NickSSep 25, 2005