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Spiral
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Spiral Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the collaboration between Nicolás Jaar and Dave Harrington features six track written in 2018.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 26, 2021
    90
    Spiral is a swoon worthy record, and one that cements Darkside as one of the brightest glowing acts of its kind.
  2. Exclaim
    Jul 20, 2021
    90
    With six of the nine tracks written in 2018, it's unbelievable how well this record flows and holds together — and that's without even mentioning how prophetic the tracks have proven to be over the last three years.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Jul 21, 2021
    82
    On Spiral, DARKSIDE push their limits, all the while honing the distinctive sound that made the project so singular to begin with.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 22, 2021
    80
    ‘Spiral’ is a gorgeous, often filmic listen that rewards with each spin. Most importantly, Jaar’s enhanced vocal role gives a new voice to troubling themes previously suggested in the stirring moods of Darkside’s music. Eight years was worth the wait.
  5. Resident Advisor
    Aug 5, 2021
    70
    The LP's spirally nature is actually its biggest problem, as the duo choose to coil back into themselves again and again, creating a merely good album that’s on the cusp of greatness.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 22, 2021
    70
    Even while Spiral never quite touches on the grandeur of its predecessor, Jaar and Harrington here appear content as ever laboring over their unique vision.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Jul 20, 2021
    60
    Wwhile Jaar and Harrington assemble a worthy array of mesmerizing sounds on Spiral, a larger, more compelling vision eludes them.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. Clueful
    Jul 23, 2021
    9
    I rarely disagree this sharply with the critic’s consensus. This album shimmers with modern ingenuity. Achieves what Floyd could’ve done givenI rarely disagree this sharply with the critic’s consensus. This album shimmers with modern ingenuity. Achieves what Floyd could’ve done given newer technology. Jaar has harnessed the untamed experimentation from Cenizas and injected with the needed soul and structure - while being just as bold, if not more in how it explores soundscapes. Harrington also proves himself once again to be one of the most original guitarist to date. Shows off he is more than capable of both virtuoso as well as mind bending experimental use without being a pure gimmick. While it doesn’t contain another “Paper Trails” in the sense of a instantly iconic single track. It achieves something much more complete as an album. Easily the best album thus far in 2021.… Expand
  2. ThaDevilofRome
    Aug 1, 2021
    7
    Nothing boundary pushing here but this new collaborative project from Nicolas Jaar is something special. The album is quite meditative atNothing boundary pushing here but this new collaborative project from Nicolas Jaar is something special. The album is quite meditative at times, not so much as "Space is Only Noise", but still relaxing and psychedelic. There are some really interesting moments present here, such as Liberty Bell, Lawmaker, I'm the Echo. It is not the most captivating release of the year so far but still an expansive listen. You will find yourself lost in the music at times if you choose to engage.… Expand
  4. Dunsweet21
    Aug 5, 2021
    0