Thought Rock Fish Scale
by Nap Eyes
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Feb 10, 2016
    80
    The songs are simple, but Nap Eyes always inject small surprises into them, like clever guitar melodies or tempo changes.
  2. AllMusic
    Feb 5, 2016
    80
    With this sophomore record, Nap Eyes offer a subtle gem that ultimately improves on their debut.
  3. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2016
    80
    Even in its quietest moments, Thought Rock Fish Scale is an album brimming with passion and protest. It finds confidence in humility, power in relaxation.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 4, 2016
    80
    Thought Rock Fish Scale is one of the most enjoyable and insightful albums released this year so far.
  6. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2016
    80
    Concise, understated alt rock with cryptic, literate lyrics. [Mar 2016, p.100]
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  7. No Ripcord
    Mar 9, 2016
    70
    Trust ends with Chapman pleading his object of affection to have some faith in him, though it could also be a message to his listeners: setting aside his lackadaisical manner, Chapman really does want you to care about what he thinks.
  8. PopMatters
    Feb 8, 2016
    70
    There is a sense throughout that we’re sitting spellbound listening to a storyteller--one with the extra trick of syncing his stories up with melody and atmosphere--even though part of our being is never completely sure we follow or even trust the yarns he’s spinning.
  9. Uncut
    Feb 2, 2016
    70
    Along with kitchen-sink detail, there's real poignancy in the Canadians' second set. [Mar 2016, p.77]
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  10. Record Collector
    Feb 2, 2016
    60
    It’s a consistent and intermittently inspired set but while it flows seamlessly throughout, the strident Roll It and intricate, Before Hollywood-esque Don’t Be Right are arguably the keepers here.
  11. musicOMH.com
    Feb 9, 2016
    50
    Those that prefer a little excitement would probably be best giving the album a miss and checking out the début instead; in all honesty, you’re more likely to find more thrills at one of your ‘old late great great great great great’ grandmother’s knitting and sewing evenings.
  12. Exclaim
    Feb 3, 2016
    50
    If Whine of the Mystic was the boozy night out, Thought Rock Fish Scale feels like the groggy hangover. It doesn't hurt, but its lethargic haze makes you wish it were still last night.
  13. The Skinny
    Feb 2, 2016
    40
    Thought Rock Fish Scale arrives wholesome and homely rather than exciting or challenging, as if missing the lights of the big city.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Custom_Concerns
    Mar 5, 2016
    6
    There is nothing blatantly offensive about Thought Rock Fish Scale; it has very few, if any, major issues. The main problem is that it isThere is nothing blatantly offensive about Thought Rock Fish Scale; it has very few, if any, major issues. The main problem is that it is simply good and not great throughout. Fans of slowcore and lo-fi 90's singer-songwriter will definitely find quality in these songs, but they lack any significant lasting power. Listen to this album at least once, because it's pretty good.… Full Review »
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