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Static
by
Static Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

  • Summary: Produced with Shane Stoneback and Ben Allen, the emotions around a breakup is the central theme of the second full-length release from the Brooklyn pop duo of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion.
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Top Track

Always Forever
You and me always forever We could stay alone together You and me always forever Say you'll stay never be server You know you've got me in your... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 7, 2014
    80
    Cults' combination of mid-'60s girl-group and cusp-of-the-'90s shoegazing is still bewitching but takes a more stripped-down form here, and packs more of a thwack. [Jan 2014, p.120]
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  2. Alternative Press
    Oct 16, 2013
    80
    Despite some bummer subject matter, this could be the year's most fun album. [Nov 2013, p.84]
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  3. Paste Magazine
    Oct 15, 2013
    78
    The layers at times get a little too thick, enough to hide some of Follin’s words. But as packed as the songs get with incident and sound, the gooey goodness of Cults’ candy pop wins out every time.
  4. Exclaim
    Oct 15, 2013
    70
    So far, Cults have relied on that brand of fresh, unbridled energy that fuels new groups like them, making Static a fine example of an album running perfectly off of kinetics.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 30, 2014
    67
    Follin works aggressively on tone and lyrics in "So Far" and "Keep Your Head Up," but doesn't lose any pop rhythm amid the sonic wash and despair, even on closer "No Hope."
  6. Uncut
    Dec 6, 2013
    60
    Static's production is bright and punchy, which has the unintended effect of sabotaging softer moments. [Jan 2014, p.73]
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  7. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 14, 2013
    58
    Static lacks variety. It’s just a short-fused, gloomy rehash, and what little has been changed isn’t really an improvement.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. tmaxwell
    Oct 17, 2013
    8
    Cults have decidedly taken the low road with their trebbly pop shimmered laxigazical release Static. Static is a pretty good name for thisCults have decidedly taken the low road with their trebbly pop shimmered laxigazical release Static. Static is a pretty good name for this album, especially when you consider the duo broke up as a couple but remained a band in between the release of their debut and this sophomore effort. I may be an old school tight shirt, but this fits right in with the likes of Ride, MBV and Red House Painters, which I really dig. The fact is, Cults is living in the past. Not because their music is old or recalls the oldies, but almost as if the oldies could have been started on a different path, starting with Cults. Cults could have been a band that bands of today cite as that real spark of inspiration, which is what makes their music intriguing and new, but oh so old. I will be spinning for much of the fall. Admittedly, this is a good album, but 5 years from now I'm much more likely to spin their debut than this album.… Expand
  2. WadeVS
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    With the breakup of their professional relationship Madeline and Brian have consolidated their sound using their breakup as fodder for thisWith the breakup of their professional relationship Madeline and Brian have consolidated their sound using their breakup as fodder for this amazingly strong and decisive album. The tracks go from strength to strength, drawing you in and giving you an honest glimpse pf what happened. It never feels sordid. Its dark, catchy and damn likable. Excellent second album.… Expand

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