Shulamith
by Poliça
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Q Magazine
    Nov 25, 2013
    60
    For Polica, chilling out means going way below zero, resulting in an icy glitter that is seductive but ultimately freezes you out. [Dec 2013, p.112]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    Nov 18, 2013
    60
    On their second album, the followup to 2012's buzzy Give You the Ghost, these kids blend distant, white-on-white melodic minimalism with early-Prince electro burp-'n-grind.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Oct 21, 2013
    60
    Shulamith can still be considered a worthy addition to the band’s back catalogue, even it just doesn’t quite reach the heights of their excellent debut.
  5. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Oct 21, 2013
    60
    Low-slung, dub-ish beats are appealing, though lead some tracks to Snooze Town.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 21, 2013
    60
    If there is a fault, it's that too little lodges in the memory, Spilling Lines and opener Chain My Name aside. Still, this is another assured and immersive album.
  7. The Guardian
    Oct 18, 2013
    60
    If only Leaneagh's vocals weren't so mutated with effects that render some of her more poignant lyrics indistinguishable, Shulamith's impact might be all the greater. Nevertheless, it's a beautifully melancholic record.
  8. Clash Music
    Oct 15, 2013
    60
    A fine sound indeed, but one that could have been better with a shade more variety injected into proceedings.
  9. The Fly (UK)
    Oct 15, 2013
    50
    Shulamith picks up pretty much where that album left off, mixing elements of yacht rock, soul, hip hop and dub into a smoothly melancholic whole--but at times Leaneagh’s vocodered emoting makes you wonder if this isn’t just Dido for the blognoscenti.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. sleepless_six
    Aug 14, 2020
    8
    NOTE: This review is for the expanded edition of "Shulamith."

    I LOVE THIS BAND! Just discovered them recently. I started with their debut    NOTE: This review is for the expanded edition of "Shulamith."

    I LOVE THIS BAND! Just discovered them recently. I started with their debut album "Give You The
    Ghost " which is a near masterpiece and followed that with this album. It's not that "Shulamith" is in anyway flawed in comparison with its predecessor. In fact, a number of songs on "Shulamith" , in my opinion, are more emotionally affecting and memorable than the best tracks than their debut. It's just, song for song, that album gets a perfect a perfect score from me but "Shulamith" is beautiful work of art. My favorite tracks are the catchy techno-pop "Chain My Name", "Raw Exit." and "Great Regret." (the latter two which are only available on the "expanded" edition. Those who enjoy the darker side Polica (like me) will enjoy "Smug", "Warrior Lord", "Very Cruel", and "Tiff."    … Full Review »
  2. vargo001
    Oct 23, 2013
    8
    It's been forever since I liked a local band, but this one might squeak in at #10 in my favorites of the year. I've listened to it two timesIt's been forever since I liked a local band, but this one might squeak in at #10 in my favorites of the year. I've listened to it two times this morning. And to think I couldn't quite finishing listening to their first album. The slurred Cat Power vocals, sad and mysterious and restrained, are woven into claustrophobic little melodies. There is a delightful sameness from track to track, as if they are all telling a slightly different version of the same heartbreaking story. It's very self-assured, and the musical direction is clear. Electronica that makes you glad to be unhappy. I give it an 8 for it's confidence, it's ingrown melodies, and its dour verve. What a great mid-week surprise.… Full Review »
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