War Stories
by UNKLE
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The A.V. Club
    83
    Some songs are intensely gripping, like the instrumental rave-up "Chemistry," which drives along like Mogwai never happened. Others are plain weird.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Aggressive yet soulful, "War" doesn't just straddle the line between rock and electronica—it destroys it.
  3. Hot Press
    75
    If there’s a central problem with War Stories, it’s that at times it strays too close to rock orthodoxy and loses the offbeat stylistic flourishes that made Unkle such an exciting proposition to begin with.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    75
    The result is a stormy set of dark, synth-streaked psych-rock jams that carries a whiff of tomorrow while looking back to the stomping proto-metal of Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer.
  6. Dot Music
    70
    So, once again UNKLE have produced another good rather than great album that sounds ahead of the curve.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    70
    War Stories is another win for Lavelle.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 3 out of 43
  1. Amnesiac2389
    Nov 9, 2010
    9
    If you know anything about UNKLE and Lavelle, their music is all about experimenting. To me, all of UNKLE's albums are different, but not in aIf you know anything about UNKLE and Lavelle, their music is all about experimenting. To me, all of UNKLE's albums are different, but not in a bad way. In fact it's like the music is evolving. While I love this idea of experimenting with sound and coming closer to the rock (what is wrong with that?) with this album, I realize that some may not like the sound. This is a sound you either love and understand or hate. But listen to the album before taking the word of anyone's review and make your own decision.… Full Review »
  2. PatrickH.
    Mar 6, 2008
    9
    So good it hurts. Great workout music. And you should hear them perform it live.
  3. JimmyH.
    Jan 6, 2008
    8
    There really aren't too many weak points on this album, i have no clue why it's getting the critical mauling that it is. Unlike There really aren't too many weak points on this album, i have no clue why it's getting the critical mauling that it is. Unlike Never, Never, Land, these tracks are actually bearable to some extent, which was the main weakness with UNKLE's second album. The highlight of this album is either Josh Homme's Restless or Persons And Machinery from Autolux, both are some of my favourite songs of 2007. I definitely recommend this album.… Full Review »
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