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The Livelong Day Image
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the Irish folk quartet was produced by John "Spud" Murphy.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Oct 23, 2019
    100
    Nothing less than a thorough exploration and devastation of folk’s most conventional tropes is Lankum’s impressive game.
  2. Mojo
    Oct 23, 2019
    100
    They approach the tradition with an awe and wonder that especially percolates into the instrumentals. ... Their most extreme statement yet. [Dec 2019, p.89]
  3. Oct 25, 2019
    90
    The Livelong Day is a challenging album made up of long, droning songs with numerous verses and arcane sounds. It will not be for everyone, but to the discerning listener, its dark majesty is well worth the engagement.
  4. Uncut
    Oct 23, 2019
    80
    The Livelong Day is dark, powerful and disquieting stuff that resonates long after its final note has subsided. [Nov 2019, p.31]
  5. Q Magazine
    Oct 23, 2019
    80
    It's frequently unsettling listen, but never a joyless one. [Dec 2019, p.110]
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Oct 28, 2019
    9
    Unsettling, occasionally menacing, gorgeously constructed and recorded folk album. Lankum are deferential to the genre as they experiment withUnsettling, occasionally menacing, gorgeously constructed and recorded folk album. Lankum are deferential to the genre as they experiment with it; many of the songs suggest their makers have well-informed and wide-ranging musical tastes that roam far afield from folk music alone. A truly gorgeous album, and much-welcome surprise that perfectly acquits itself to end-of-the-year listening. Expand
  2. Jan 11, 2020
    8
    I didn't enjoy the instrumentals. If the tracklist consisted of only songs with vocals I'd probably give this a 9 or 10. Feels like a crossI didn't enjoy the instrumentals. If the tracklist consisted of only songs with vocals I'd probably give this a 9 or 10. Feels like a cross between folk and post-rock to me, but the album is quite innovative while building on folk traditions so don't be put off if you think you don't like folk. The songs have a heft and an earthy darkness to them that I really love. Expand
  3. Nov 13, 2019
    7
    A much more enjoyable record than its predecessor "Between The Earth and Sky". More hopeful sounding, more expansive. There is also less RadieA much more enjoyable record than its predecessor "Between The Earth and Sky". More hopeful sounding, more expansive. There is also less Radie Peat which suits my ears better. There is talent there for sure but my ears can't deal with that vocal style. Expand