Ultramarine
by Young Galaxy
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Apr 22, 2013
    91
    What truly makes Ultramarine penetrate beyond the passé realm of feel-good electropop, are the subliminal hints of evanescent existence scattered amidst the stardust.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    May 1, 2013
    80
    Ultramarine moves Young Galaxy from being a great indie band to being a great band, full stop. The songs profoundly move the body and the psyche in equal measure.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Apr 22, 2013
    80
    The lyrics are earnest as all hell, but only once--on Hard To Tell--borderline twee.
  5. AllMusic
    Apr 22, 2013
    80
    These are languid, gorgeously crafted tracks that find the band delving even deeper than on Shapeshifting into an atmospheric, slow-burn aesthetic that holds up on repeated listens.
  6. Pitchfork
    Apr 25, 2013
    78
    It’s no slight to say nothing on Ultramarine matches its opening triad--not much does. The remainder of it is solid, though it shows a band still using established pop framework in lieu of a personality.
  7. Under The Radar
    Apr 22, 2013
    75
    [A] confident fourth effort. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.96]
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  8. Filter
    Apr 29, 2013
    70
    There won’t be many more solid albums than this in 2013.
  9. Exclaim
    Apr 22, 2013
    70
    The focus is the production rather than the songs, and Ultramarine is sadly missing the killer choruses required for a great pop album.
  10. Paste Magazine
    Apr 23, 2013
    63
    While this album’s forays into club kid territory miss the mark, there’s plenty to like about it.
  11. PopMatters
    Apr 24, 2013
    60
    McCandless has a great voice, and when Young Galaxy gives her strong material their songs really work. But she can’t do it on her own, and the middle chunk of Ultramarine proves that.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. DDWinters
    Apr 23, 2013
    10
    An amazing progression from their past work, much more dancefloor oriented yet also more atmospheric. And the true star here is CatherineAn amazing progression from their past work, much more dancefloor oriented yet also more atmospheric. And the true star here is Catherine McCandless' unique voice, finally front and center on every song. Pure magic.… Full Review »
  2. Rustune
    May 5, 2013
    8
    It's nice, catchy and hard to dislike. For people who only want this out of a record than you have found perfect candy for the ears. I likeIt's nice, catchy and hard to dislike. For people who only want this out of a record than you have found perfect candy for the ears. I like this record though because it has its zany and unpredictible moments. Check it out if you are into synth pop.… Full Review »
  3. Duke_Challenger
    Apr 25, 2013
    6
    A huge letdown based on their previous two albums. Indivisible Republic and Shapeshifting are modern day masterpieces. On Ultramarine, theA huge letdown based on their previous two albums. Indivisible Republic and Shapeshifting are modern day masterpieces. On Ultramarine, the biggest mistake was working with Livvisik again. He makes several songs sound way too similar to the style of Shapeshifting. While the album was daring, this one seems "ultra-safe" instead. For instance, "Pretty Boy" on Ultramarine sounds extremely similar to "We Have Everything".

    There is little guitar on this album. "Fall For You" is clearing the album's best song. It has the most interesting part writing.

    After track five, every song is mediocre, with track six being absolutely atrocious (it sounds like Lady Gaga or something), until track 10.

    Number 9 had potential to be good, until you realize the loops just keep on repeating throughout the whole song. Extremely repetitive.    … Full Review »
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