Somersault
by Beach Fossils
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 50
  3. Negative: 6 out of 50
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  1. KevinLombard
    Jun 10, 2017
    10
    I am deeply moved by this new Beach Fossils album. Upon repeated listenings, I can hear further into this music. The arrangements and instrumentations are brilliant and everything really works well. Great texture. The songwriting is tremendous and so is the overall sound. I think the songs hang together quite well conceptually to form a very nice album that flows well. I like the way hisI am deeply moved by this new Beach Fossils album. Upon repeated listenings, I can hear further into this music. The arrangements and instrumentations are brilliant and everything really works well. Great texture. The songwriting is tremendous and so is the overall sound. I think the songs hang together quite well conceptually to form a very nice album that flows well. I like the way his singing is understated because the vocal harmonies are so beautiful. Lyrics are simple and perfect for contemplation. Each Beach Fossils album is a different vibe and Payseur is a true artist. All of the time and care spent on the album really paid off.… Expand
  2. mrichardsg
    Jun 6, 2017
    10
    This is quickly becoming my favorite Beach Fossil's Album. I remember listening to this band a little in High School, and I was definitely impressed by the elevated quality of their latest work. This album has a much more self aware and confident feeling behind it. I can't wait to continue enjoying this album, and the nuggets of psychedelic summer nostalgia it offers.
  3. Ricko
    Sep 23, 2020
    7
    This represents a bit of a shift for Beach Fossils. You can hardly call this lo-fi anymore and as they have moved to a slicker, more polished sound, the characteristics that helped them stand out from the crowd are somewhat sanded down. That said, the change/move adds an interesting entry into the Beach Fossils book and there are some tracks here that are completely unidentifiable as BeachThis represents a bit of a shift for Beach Fossils. You can hardly call this lo-fi anymore and as they have moved to a slicker, more polished sound, the characteristics that helped them stand out from the crowd are somewhat sanded down. That said, the change/move adds an interesting entry into the Beach Fossils book and there are some tracks here that are completely unidentifiable as Beach Fossils ("Rise" and "St Ivy" for example). It's not healthy to stand still. There are lots of good tracks, fans of the band will definitely enjoy and it might even appeal to wider audience than their previous albums. Overall its a nice listen and has the spacey vibe of the likes of Air or Tame Impala but with a slower tempo.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Magnet
    Jun 27, 2017
    70
    On Somersault, Beach Fossils continue to expand their sound, and the band gets better as it ventures further from home. [No. 143, p.53]
  2. Under The Radar
    Jun 27, 2017
    70
    Beach Fossils are best when they stick with what they know, which is why tracks such as "May 1st" and "Be Nothing," with their spangly guitar lines and easygoing lilt, remain high-points on this laid-back summer record.
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  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 7, 2017
    73
    When Somersault reaches its unfettered climax, the five-minute-plus tension-releasing eruption of “Be Nothing,” it’s clear that the project has overcome its greatest burden. Like DeMarco and DIIV before it, Beach Fossils emerged from Captured Tracks haze and established its own identity on the other side.
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