The Devil's Walk
by Apparat
  • Record Label: Mute US
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2011
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 13, 2011
    80
    The Devil's Walks minimal electronic landscape is mesmerizing and perfect for a quiet, rainy day of contemplation.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Sep 28, 2011
    80
    Try it once and you'll be back for more--even if you're a long term convert to the beautifully sculpted world of Apparat.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 26, 2011
    80
    It's the type of album that can be enjoyed on the surface, as pleasant background listening, or as a deeply immersive experience.
  5. The Guardian
    Sep 22, 2011
    80
    If you like James Blake, here's his German counterpart.
  6. Clash Music
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    A record for late, empty, lonely nights.
  7. Consequence
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    Devil's Walk is not an attempt at a new sound. It's an exposition of how to create a new sound and how to do it at a level that connects with the listener.
  8. Q Magazine
    Sep 19, 2011
    80
    Mood music with a soul. [Oct 2011, p.112]
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  9. Spin
    Sep 19, 2011
    80
    The Devil's Walk creates a compelling mix of programming virtuosity, songcraft, and plaintive vocals, with spastic blips fluttering amid languid string washes, while a 
mechanical scrim obscures and accentuates the underlying emotions.
  10. cokemachineglow
    Oct 26, 2011
    75
    It's okay to mourn Apparat's past and question his trajectory. Just don't ignore what rests at the center: a record that, if nothing more, soaks in the present moment.
  11. PopMatters
    Oct 18, 2011
    70
    It's a midpoint between densely-orchestrated post-rock and ambient electro, and the results are pretty captivating.
  12. Pitchfork
    Sep 21, 2011
    66
    In the end, the record is a disjointed listen--there are some really beautiful and even moving stretches but too many missed opportunities to truly bring together Ring's love of pop with his natural gift for beats.
  13. XLR8r
    Sep 26, 2011
    65
    While The Devil's Walk may not be an absolute blemish on the Apparat discography, those who found his earlier works (such as Duplex, Walls, and the excellent remix collection, Things to be Frickled) so rewarding will find that this album unfortunately pales in comparison.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 3, 2011
    60
    If anything, the album isn't obnoxious or overproduced, and those who are more forgiving of beauty-mongering landscape pop likely have a year-end list candidate. Those who are into Apparat's more adventurous work and collaborations, though, should pass.
  15. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 28, 2011
    60
    The Devil's Walk can be as persuasive and intoxicating as you want it to be. The acute complexity of temptation inevitably boils down to a simple yes or no. You'll take to this record or you won't.
  16. BBC Music
    Sep 21, 2011
    60
    If only there was more drama of this sort here, and a little less schmaltz, to bolster Ring's talent as an arranger and a producer.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. cnally13
    Oct 6, 2011
    7
    A really sad and emotional affair. Moments of engrossing instrumentation, but not quite enough to displace the droning and uninterestingA really sad and emotional affair. Moments of engrossing instrumentation, but not quite enough to displace the droning and uninteresting sounds when it's off.… Full Review »
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