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U.F.O.F.
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  • Record Label:
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U.F.O.F. Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the Brooklyn indie rock band led by Adrianne Lenker was produced by Andrew Sarlo.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Pitchfork
    May 6, 2019
    92
    Their third and undoubtedly best album, U.F.O.F., a mesmerizing flood of life filtered down into a concentrated drip.
  2. AllMusic
    May 2, 2019
    90
    A foray into artful album rock for the band, U.F.O.F.'s shifts in presentation are subtle and seem wholly organic throughout. It's a record deserving of such an evocative title, which captures its dreamily impressionistic yet unsettling nature.
  3. Under The Radar
    May 21, 2019
    85
    The band has flipped the script and turned the focus inwards, reflecting on the unfathomable that pervades our every moment and delivering a performance of masterfully honed restraint that perfectly encapsulates their invitation to discover the vast and alien within the seemingly familiar.
  4. Mojo
    May 1, 2019
    80
    It's slow to coalesce, but when it does, U.F.O.F. flies. [Jun 2019, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Observer (UK)
    May 6, 2019
    80
    Full of subtle charm, it’s an album of deceptive depths in which to immerse yourself.
  6. The Guardian
    May 3, 2019
    80
    Now and then, the band delve back into their previous, less rarefied styles. ... Those diversions create moments of gut-wrenching contrast, making hackneyed rock tropes feel surprising again--proof that with this softening of their sound, Big Thief have alighted upon something that packs a real punch.
  7. DIY Magazine
    May 24, 2019
    70
    It feels darker an offering than some of their earlier work, more textured and full of otherworldly sound effects that often only become obvious on multiple listens.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. musicwizard636
    May 3, 2019
    10
    As someone who has been front and center since their spectacular 2016 debut “Masterpiece”, I have now discovered that album was just aAs someone who has been front and center since their spectacular 2016 debut “Masterpiece”, I have now discovered that album was just a foreshadow to this particular release. Big Thief’s “U.F.O.F.” is a swirling, weightless indie-folk dream. It’s the ultimate combination of musical strengths, poetic lyricism, and a lifetime of experiences. Possibly the greatest indie-folk effort since Neutral Milk Hotel’s, “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”.… Expand
  2. Stanjohncleaner
    May 27, 2019
    10
    Supposed to be just another day today. Then this entered my life. Great day. I would say that tracks two and three made the day. Then iSupposed to be just another day today. Then this entered my life. Great day. I would say that tracks two and three made the day. Then i hear 4 and 5, then betsy then Jenni, and **** it; just an unexpectedly perfect album. Also Lawn by Jawbreaker is cool too.… Expand
  4. BrushedRed
    May 4, 2019
    10
    Man, this album came from out of nowhere, but it has completely stunned me. It is vibrant and gorgeous in every way. It’s an auditory flowery,Man, this album came from out of nowhere, but it has completely stunned me. It is vibrant and gorgeous in every way. It’s an auditory flowery, sunlit meadow. These are some of the most beautiful, lush tracks I’ve heard in years. The beautiful vocals and instrumentals evoke a sense of calm and peace. I was quite stunned after “UFOF” released easier in the year, but I had no idea it wouldn’t even be the best song on here. That would be “Terminal Paradise,” which might be the most gorgeous song I’ve heard in years. Definitely listen to this!… Expand
  5. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 16, 2021
    9
    Consistency is key. Big Thief have never made a bad record or even song. They might not leave much room for experimentations but that'sConsistency is key. Big Thief have never made a bad record or even song. They might not leave much room for experimentations but that's because what they have is mastered. Taking a gentle approach to the soft loud dynamic creating a serene magical wonderland . Intimacy is threaded through each song making them all feel personal. Populated with the usual focused character pieces, "jenni" "betsy" where they flex their narrative capabilities. On the highlight "orange " a dishonest lover is framed so sweetly you could miss the underlying rage. This is a quality in most of U.F.O.F such as the magnificent closer "magic dealer" closing of an amazing record.… Expand
  6. Vaudevillain
    May 6, 2019
    9
    A fantastic album, the vocals are majestically subtle, the lyrics are simple but punch you right in the face, and it is just a must-listen, IA fantastic album, the vocals are majestically subtle, the lyrics are simple but punch you right in the face, and it is just a must-listen, I haven't heard anything similar to this.… Expand
  7. yoshimon3
    May 6, 2019
    9
    Pure euphoric bliss, Jenni is a SOTY contender for sure. Every single aspect of this album is filled to the brim with ambition, and the vocalsPure euphoric bliss, Jenni is a SOTY contender for sure. Every single aspect of this album is filled to the brim with ambition, and the vocals are absolutely on point throughout. One of those albums that reveal themselves one listen at a time… Expand
  8. Doxxman5
    Aug 9, 2019
    4
    Three great songs: opener "Contact" and "UFOF" show off a neat mix of guitar interplay and fragile vocals with good melodies. Latter in theThree great songs: opener "Contact" and "UFOF" show off a neat mix of guitar interplay and fragile vocals with good melodies. Latter in the album "Jenni" gives off a Jessica Bailiff kind of sparse/delicate sound. The rest ranges from kinda interesting to very boring. It's kinda like the band knows how to make good songs, but then chooses not to make them on purpose.… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

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