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Water on Mars Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Philadelphia indie rock trio led by Mike Polizze is its first recorded in a professional studio.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Uncut
    Mar 29, 2013
    80
    Some may find it too clean, but it's still thunderously good. [May 2013, p.75]
  2. Apr 2, 2013
    80
    All of a sudden, the hooks sink deeper; the simple solos, redolent of Pavement/Malkmus to the axe-max, sound better; and, most of all, the songwriting is muscular.
  3. Apr 10, 2013
    80
    Given the jam-friendly group’s propensity for live euphoria but recorded disappointment, it’s a relief to hear that the Hiss has finally hit its stride in the studio with Water On Mars.
  4. Mar 22, 2013
    76
    They’ll get major points for pouring Bleach all over your Nevermind, but don’t miss the trance-and-release rush of the title track.
  5. Mar 21, 2013
    73
    The murk and sloppiness of the early records has been mostly swept away.
  6. Mar 20, 2013
    70
    Water on Mars is a strikingly honest album, with the old school feel of having been played and recorded organically, warts and all.
  7. Q Magazine
    Mar 14, 2013
    60
    The result is like a more chaotic Nirvana or Dinosaur Jr, with gentle diversions into geeky indie, drone-rock and fuzz-pop that only enhance the racket-making around it. [Apr 2013, p.109]

See all 15 Critic Reviews