Ultra Mono
by Idles
  • Record Label: Partisan
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2020
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 56
  3. Negative: 4 out of 56
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  1. HumanPate86
    Sep 25, 2020
    6
    Although it is by far their worst record to date, some interesting ideas, good hooks and inspired performances are to be found. what's truly disappointing is that in less than 2 years, idles have become what their critics always (wrongfully) panned them to be - slogan thumping few-trick ponies with no real songwriting skills nor lyrical nuance.
  2. JMD1971
    Sep 29, 2020
    4
    I give it 4 - I for Reigns, 1 for A Hymn, 1 for Warren Ellis, 1 for Jamie Callum. Hugely disappointing album.
  3. Age_Atomic
    Sep 28, 2020
    6
    Overall, I do enjoy Ultra Mono but I feel it lacks the cleverness and gritty edge of their previous work.

    It seems, to me, like a push to broaden their reach and in the process of doing so they have lost some of the depth of their past music. Again, Ultra Mono is by no means a bad record. I'm still more than happy to listen to it. I mainly wish the lyrics were a little less on the    Overall, I do enjoy Ultra Mono but I feel it lacks the cleverness and gritty edge of their previous work.

    It seems, to me, like a push to broaden their reach and in the process of doing so they have lost some of the depth of their past music.

    Again, Ultra Mono is by no means a bad record. I'm still more than happy to listen to it. I mainly wish the lyrics were a little less on the nose and left some room to read between the lines. You don't need to scream 'consent' or 'anxiety' at me over and over for me to understand. Give your fans a little more credit.    … Expand
  4. anitquity
    Sep 29, 2020
    5
    I never thought the IDLES could be described as boring and by-the-numbers, but here we are. The clever lyrics are replaced with eye-rolling cliches, the authentic grit and of-the-moment urgency is replaced by lackluster music supporting important themes that deserve more potency. Very disappointing, especially considering their other work.
  5. a_sebastian
    Sep 30, 2020
    6
    I've been waiting for this one. i thought hymn is an amazing proof that idles might be rem of the 20's.
    well, actually they're not. yet, maybe.
    i still can't understand what poundland's porcelain shattered on the floor brings in to the chasm, and as long as they'll represent that shallow stance, that'll only be a lot of good sound wasted.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Pitchfork
    Sep 28, 2020
    55
    Ultra Mono charges into the discourse like a hobbyist at a rally. It’s not listening, just shouting. Not radical but restless. Not bad, just unnecessary.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 28, 2020
    80
    Idles’ third studio album has all of the elements that made Joy As an Act of Resistance such a breakout success.
    Read full review
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 25, 2020
    65
    Ultra Mono is an enjoyable but ideologically confused record and one in which some of IDLES best material must compensate for some of their worst.
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