Stranger Things
by Yuck
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2016
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Cassettiquette
    Dec 28, 2016
    3
    In 2011, this band hit the ground running with their self-titled debut album and were hailed by many as geniuses with their blending of beloved 90's alternative rock band sounds such as Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Pavement, and many others. The band simply could do no wrong until founder and lead vocalist Daniel Blumberg left the band in April of 2013, leaving Max Bloom to take charge ofIn 2011, this band hit the ground running with their self-titled debut album and were hailed by many as geniuses with their blending of beloved 90's alternative rock band sounds such as Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Pavement, and many others. The band simply could do no wrong until founder and lead vocalist Daniel Blumberg left the band in April of 2013, leaving Max Bloom to take charge of the band. In September of that year the band released their follow-up album Glow and Behold to mixed reviews. I, personally, liked the album. It was a sweet and shoegazy retreat from their first album that softened their rough sound brought on by their first album, a characteristic many listeners found undesirable. The album was less sing-a-long and the change in vocalists, for many, was too much to endure.

    I was surprised to hear the band was working on another album earlier this year. And when I heard that they were recording it in the basement of Max Bloom's parents I became even more intrigued considering that is where they recorded their self-titled debut album. Perhaps the band was trying to regroup and get back to basics? Unfortunately, this record appears to be an even further departure than Glow and Behold was to what made listeners fall in love with them. Some of these songs are such obvious attempts to recapture the success of their first album that it's depressing. The title track "Stranger Things" appears to be a Blumberg ripoff lyrically and musically, making for a tragic experience for any listeners remaining that believed this band could find a way without Daniel Blumberg.

    One of the high points of the album was finally getting to hear bassist Mariko Doi make her debut on lead vocals on the track "As I Walk Away." It's a beautiful song until Max Bloom unexpectedly crashes in on the track with his out of place vocals and completely ruins the song. Bloom's vocals, time and time again, prove as a distraction from whatever successes this album could potentially display. This album has shown the band has truly fallen from whatever grace that was given to them when recording their first album. The only think this album succeeds in is showing the band's blatant attempts to imitate acts such as Superchunk, Teenage Fanclub and other artists more deserving of attention. Perhaps saddest of all, this album is the band trying to imitate itself.

    More reviews at www.cassettiquette.net    … Expand
  2. mgkelly
    Aug 21, 2016
    8
    Saw this band live a few years ago at a festival - Electric Picnic - in Ireland. They were very cool indeed. Also impressed with their first album. Great listening. Subsequently, heard this album and again, very impressed. Much better than the reviews on here, in my opinion. Lovely mix of a little touch of post-punk, mixed in with a wee bit of grunge and a large dollop of Dinosaur JrSaw this band live a few years ago at a festival - Electric Picnic - in Ireland. They were very cool indeed. Also impressed with their first album. Great listening. Subsequently, heard this album and again, very impressed. Much better than the reviews on here, in my opinion. Lovely mix of a little touch of post-punk, mixed in with a wee bit of grunge and a large dollop of Dinosaur Jr slacker cool.
    For me, the highlight is perhaps the song Cannonball that bombs along at a really rapid pace. Latter half of the album is a wee bit more refined, but I wouldn't like them to become too 'clean'. Just the right side of too smooth /clean.
    If you like Dinosaur Jr or Sonic Youth, you'll love this.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Spin
    Apr 1, 2016
    70
    This third batch has something to prove, and Bloom makes the most of it, stutter-riffing his best Toadies impression on “Hearts in Motion” and sneaking the timeless gorgeousness of Sebadoh’s “Too Pure” into “Down.”
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  2. Magnet
    Mar 30, 2016
    80
    No, the London band is never going to be called innovative, but the gusto with which it approaches those naked influences of Dinosaur Jr, Pavement and Sonic Youth--and the craftsmanship with which it does so--cracks through our cynical shells. [No. 129, p.61]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 17, 2016
    40
    Yuck's sound soared from the start, each release sounding stellar--Stranger Things included--but a lack of novelty is rearing up.
    Read full review
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