Albums to watch

Beyond The Pale

JARV IS

Beyond The Pale

Debut album from the rock band led by former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker

ADM rating[?]

8.0

Label
Rough Trade
UK Release date
17/07/2020
US Release date
17/07/2020
  1. 10.0 |   Q

    The work of a man kitted out with a full array of emotional surveillance equipment, its expansive space-rock and cosmic lyrics zooming in and out on humanity in all its rich chaos. Print edition only

  2. 10.0 |   The Arts Desk

    Melancholic "Swanky Modes" ("in the days of VHS and casual sex") is pure Cocker-does-Alan-Bennett and that’s (obviously) no bad thing
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  3. 10.0 |   Evening Standard

    An accomplished, and very welcome, return
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  4. 9.0 |   A.V. Club

    Back in his natural position as leader, a rejuvenated Cocker and his expressive band of musicians have made what may be a contender for 2020’s finest record
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  5. 9.0 |   Uncut

    This record - Cocker's finest work since This Is Hardcore, maybe - marks the arrival of an adventurous collective who might just be getting warmed up. Print edition only

  6. 9.0 |   Gigwise

    Descending deeply into the mind of Cocker
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  7. 9.0 |   DIY

    Pushing nearly 30 years in the game, JARV IS… still an absolute one-of-a-kind
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  8. 8.0 |   Northern Transmissions

    It is experimental and literate while also being fun, satisfying and a wonderful addition to Cocker’s entire musical oeuvre
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  9. 8.0 |   Mojo

    An attractive ad hoc vibe pervades these seven longish songs, partially recorded live: a DIY futurism, all tinfoil and stick-backed plastic, that harks back to Pulp's early '90s. Print edition only

  10. 8.0 |   NME

    The Britpop legend tackles modernity and isolation on this danceable debut with his new band, sharing his elder statesmen wit and wisdom
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  11. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    It’s a little bit silly, a little bit raunchy and a whole lot of fun – something the world is in desperately short supply of. Simply put, JARV IS… a winner
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  12. 8.0 |   Clash

    ‘Beyond The Pale’ is a triumph
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  13. 8.0 |   Record Collector

    Right now, as we all tap our feet – nervously, impatiently, wondering what new rhythms our lives will have to adapt to – Beyond The Pale offers a light in the darkness
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  14. 7.5 |   Under The Radar

    There may not be any witty couplets to live your life by on Beyond the Pale, but there is a lot to love
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  15. 7.5 |   Spectrum Culture

    There are the usual lyrical puns, obsession with sex and yelping mannerisms. but the seven tracks could only have been written by a man in middle age
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  16. 7.0 |   The Music

    Beyond The Pale surprises as it defies expectation while Cocker takes fans in somewhat different directions
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  17. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    Despite its slightly misfiring concept, Beyond The Pale remains an enjoyable hour spent inside the world of one of Britain’s most revered songwriters—even if you're never quite sure what your host was meant to be showing you
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  18. 7.0 |   American Songwriter

    Lyrically things are pretty murky but that doesn’t detract from the set’s overall dark, percussive and intricately arranged groove
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  19. 6.7 |   Pitchfork

    The debut album from the Pulp frontman’s new band uses a novel approach to recording that aims for the wild abandon of live music but only occasionally reaches it
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  20. 4.0 |   The Irish Times

    Jarvis Cocker’s wit is intact as he channels Leonard Cohen, but tunes are lacking
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