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8.5
115715
8.5 |
Under The Radar
The best thing about Mystic Familiar is how the beautiful composition of the music reinforces the power of the lyrics' message. That the journey of this album is so personally yet universally applicable, to Deacon, and to all of us, is quite a gift
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8.0
115512
8.0 |
The Music
From the dreamy Fell Into The Ocean to the trippy soundscapes of Bumble Bee Crown King, it’s a delight to simply lose yourself in Deacon's quirky pop-surreal universe
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8.0
115513
8.0 |
The Skinny
It’s a superb return to the traditional album for Deacon. He's clearly learned a great deal making soundtracks, producing a record of a grand cinematic scale with a clearer eye on creating emotionally shifting tracks
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8.0
115514
8.0 |
Loud And Quiet
Moods shift significantly throughout Mystic Familiar, but the themes are constant. Dan Deacon has let us into his mind for the first time and it has only compounded his mystique
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8.0
115532
8.0 |
Exclaim
For fans that saw the culmination of his artistic prowess in Gliss Riffer, Mystic Familiar will fulfill many of the same needs, but with even greater balance in execution
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8.0
115555
8.0 |
DIY
Like the real world, but better
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8.0
115590
8.0 |
All Music
Mystic Familiar's triumphant victory lap is "Bumble Bee Crown King," a dazzling instrumental featuring Dustin Wong's unmistakable, spellbinding guitar work
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8.0
115614
8.0 |
musicOMH
The overall effect is exhilarating and smile-inducing
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7.0
115582
7.0 |
Uncut
A giddy psychedelic opera performed with Wayne Coyne-levels of beaming optimism. Print edition only
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7.0
115711
7.0 |
PopMatters
Mystic Familiar keeps Dan Deacon's signature musical appeal while utilizing a few new tools. The album delivers on the camaraderie and musicianship you expect from the Baltimore producer
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7.0
115887
7.0 |
Clash
Dan Deacon’s return into the solo world has resulted in an exuberant fifth album that leaves us craving for more of his newly honed skills
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6.8
115866
6.8 |
Earbuddy
Another pulsing pinball opera from the maestro of musical merriment
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6.4
115680
6.4 |
Pitchfork
On the Baltimore musician’s first album in five years, he finds inspiration in his daily meditation practice, but his songwriting sounds as antic as ever
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6.0
115772
6.0 |
Spectrum Culture
The most wholly Dan Deacon album Deacon has ever made
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6.0
115581
6.0 |
Mojo
Although his philosophical ponderings may not be that profound, his seize-the-day positivism and innate command of orchestral tension more than compensate. Print edition only
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6.0
115515
6.0 |
Q
In its final 20 minutes the album finds steadier ground, allowing space for Deacon's undaunted imagination to come into its own. Print edition only
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5.0
115626
5.0 |
Crack
In spite of bright spots – such as the euphoric jostling on death, decay and rebirth of Sat By a Tree, or the warmth in the call-and-response chorus of Fell Into the Ocean – this inability to relinquish control and lean into a disconnected state yields frustrating results
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