West of Eden
by HMLTD
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Feb 18, 2020
    80
    Despite the high barrier to entry, West of Eden crowns HMLTD as one of few bands with a serious claim to artistic vision and sonic uniqueness.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Feb 7, 2020
    100
    What we’ve got now is a world full of millennials that have grown up to make art about these injustices. HMLTD have done just that, focusing their trials and tribulations through a magnifying glass to burn us mere ants. And oh, how I love a bit of self-immolation.
  3. The Guardian
    Feb 7, 2020
    80
    They have a default setting, which is a kind of arena goth (Death Drive is Suicide at stadium scale). But at its best, West of Eden is thrilling and unsettling.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Feb 6, 2020
    80
    With ‘West Of Eden’ HMLTD have fought off the suffocating grip of overhype to deliver a debut album that is a cut above the rest, even if it is a little overdue.
  6. Mojo
    Feb 5, 2020
    80
    Packs intelligence, colour and melody. [Mar 2020, p.93]
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  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 5, 2020
    90
    Committed to a style and substance that simultaneously looks to the past and future, the five-piece soundtrack their role as esoteric prophets of doom with a sonic credo that proves genuinely idiosyncratic in the current climate – sharp, wit-filled and uninhibited stuff.
  8. Uncut
    Feb 5, 2020
    70
    As a whole, West of Eden is extravagant and ridiculous, but it embraces its own erraticism. [Mar 2020, p.29]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. alexix7
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    Absolutely stunning. HMLTD are mixing musical genres with such an ease and the result is totally thrilling debut album. Lead singer has fineAbsolutely stunning. HMLTD are mixing musical genres with such an ease and the result is totally thrilling debut album. Lead singer has fine colourful voice, drums are inovating, but what makes West of Eden really special, are guitars. I hope HMLTD will get well deserved recognition for this album, nomination for the Mercury prize would be absolutely amazing. Keep going, lads!

    Best songs: LOADED, Mikey´s Song, Where´s Joanna?, Death Drive    … Full Review »
  2. MarcRoig
    Apr 12, 2023
    9
    Amazing album. Eclectic, exciting and very well produced. Sometimes it feels overacted but I think that it's part of the artist's theatricality.
  3. Lajaleaa
    Jan 6, 2021
    8
    ( 83/100 )

    Desde Londres, esta nueva banda se sumerge violentamente entre todas sus intenciones, visiones y nos presenta el preludio de un    ( 83/100 )

    Desde Londres, esta nueva banda se sumerge violentamente entre todas sus intenciones, visiones y nos presenta el preludio de un movimiento musical polémico. No por las letras, sino por la producción, cuyo mayor crédito lo tiene Rodaidh McDonald. La banda deja en claro cual es y será su corriente musical y estilo pero, desde mi percepción, cae victima de la necesidad de originalidad y autenticidad. La producción se luce con tonos, arreglos, melodías y composiciones realmente atractivas y audaces, pero la banda busca romper con ese orden y mezclan corrientes que no necesariamente cuajan. Así se arruinan canciones que pudieron ser perfectas, pero cuando el experimento tiene éxito, las canciones son suficientemente solidas. De cualquier forma, la experiencia es entretenida y para un publico amplio que promete innovación y genialidad en el futuro.
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    From London, this new band dives violently deep between all of their intentions, visions and presents the prelude of a polemical musical movement. Not because of the lyrics, but because of the production, of which Rodaidh McDonald takes most of the credit. The band makes it clear what their musical stream and style is and will be. But from my point of view, they fall victim to the need for originality and authenticity. The production shines with really attractive and audacious tunes, arrangements, melodies, and compositions, but the band wants to break with that order and mixes currents that don't necessarily jellify. That is how perfect songs get ruined, but when the experiment succeeds, songs are solid enough. Anyway, the experience is entertaining and for a wide public that promises innovation and genius in the future.    … Full Review »
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