Vide Noir
by Lord Huron
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Apr 20, 2018
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. LionInFLL
    May 3, 2018
    9
    Like much of LH's music, this album continues to grow with every listen. The 50s starry-eyed shtick and early 60s psyche rock nuances work well with the often over-the-top romanticized and dramatic lyrics. Once you understand the stage routine, you can then sit back and immerse yourself into an arena of sound that is both at once retro and modern. Despite the new sounds, make no mistakeLike much of LH's music, this album continues to grow with every listen. The 50s starry-eyed shtick and early 60s psyche rock nuances work well with the often over-the-top romanticized and dramatic lyrics. Once you understand the stage routine, you can then sit back and immerse yourself into an arena of sound that is both at once retro and modern. Despite the new sounds, make no mistake that LH is still in there, with many motifs and riffs used in previous work. A thoroughly enjoyable yet underappreciated listen.… Expand
  2. imthenoob
    Mar 19, 2019
    10
    At first, It didn't really sit well with me but after a second listen, I liked it and after my *enter large number here* listen, I love it. Vide Noir, like the other Lord Huron albums, tells an interesting story. And the fact that the genre of music progressively changes throughout the album really helps add to the narrative behind it.
  3. cwindt
    Apr 23, 2018
    8
    Atmospheric, hauntingly beautiful album perfect for sitting and watching the trees blow. The album builds organically, and I sense a closeness to nature in its theme. Emerald Star, to me, is the album's standout track, and on my play list repeat for the past week or so. I think just as strong as their first album, with darker undertones.
  4. BroteinSupreme
    Aug 24, 2018
    8
    Lord Huron seems to have dropped this fresh gem out of the blue. Vide Noir is a welcoming follow up to the significantly lackluster Strange Trails, although not as vibrant or catchy as their debut. This one is a more melancholy take, in significant contrast to their two previous albums' theme of returning home to a love or a sacred place, and focuses more on leaving it all behind andLord Huron seems to have dropped this fresh gem out of the blue. Vide Noir is a welcoming follow up to the significantly lackluster Strange Trails, although not as vibrant or catchy as their debut. This one is a more melancholy take, in significant contrast to their two previous albums' theme of returning home to a love or a sacred place, and focuses more on leaving it all behind and waiting for that love to follow. The chorus on Ancient Names, is wonderfully catchy and energetic:
    "I gotta get away from here, I gotta get away from her."

    The songwriting on this album is particularly dark and holds a mood of bitter existentialism at its core. Vide Noir is a title that encapsulates the album perfectly, and the particular track is one of the most standout songs on the album with it's groovy bassline that reminds me a bit of the
    Afghan Whigs and their funk influenced riffs. They break away from the folkiness quite a bit on this album, one of the opening tracks has a distinct garage-rock vibe that I found insanely enjoyable. Lord Huron, as a band, stands out in the sense that they know exactly what they're going for, and on Vide Noir they show off their skill and style with amazing precision.

    Everything about Vide Noir is such a significant step up from Strange Trails, and I can say with confidence that this is one of the best indie bands out there currently.

    Best Tracks: Vide Noir, Ancient Names, Never Ever
    Worst Track: Wait by the River    … Expand
  5. EVERLEDIS
    Apr 28, 2021
    10
    ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ˢᵒ ᵇᵉᵃᵘᵗⁱᶠᵘˡ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ˢᵒ ᵇᵉᵃᵘᵗⁱᶠᵘˡ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ˢᵒ ᵇᵉᵃᵘᵗⁱᶠᵘˡ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ˢᵒ ᵇᵉᵃᵘᵗⁱᶠᵘˡ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵒⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ˢᵒ ᵇᵉᵃᵘᵗⁱᶠᵘˡ

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. PopMatters
    May 8, 2018
    70
    Vide Noir lacks the pop-fueled-pining-for-love heard in previous singles such "Fool For Love" from the critically acclaimed 2015 album Strange Trails. But that's ok! The experimental divergence demonstrates the band's musical versatility and creative strengths.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Apr 26, 2018
    70
    Some may find it all a bit too intense, while long-term fans may be put off by the departure of their earlier, more pastoral sound. However, their ambition cannot be faulted, and when it comes time to look back on the band’s career, Vide Noir could be seen as a pivotal moment.
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  3. Spin
    Apr 25, 2018
    70
    Even when the concept stumbles, parts of Vide Noir are pretty enjoyable listening anyway, like the flecks of psychedelic guitar across the title track and the filigree detail and sensual current of “Moonbeam.”
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