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8.0
126512
8.0 |
XS Noize
From start to finish, The Ultra Vivid Lament was conceived as an instant-pop, dream world soundscape which both soothes and unnerves without the necessity of the punk fuelled anger of a lions roar
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8.0
126513
8.0 |
Record Collector
Even if the Manics will never candy-coat their struggles, they illuminate them with unflinching acuity here. If to the abyss we must go, who better to pick as co-travellers than the Manics at full thrust?
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8.0
126514
8.0 |
Uncut
It's clear we're in for an introspective ride, though the more major-key, upbeat nature of many of the record's arrangements belie these melancholy undertones. Print edition only
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8.0
126515
8.0 |
Mojo
It's essentially a particularly dark MSP bravely attempting to go a bit ABBA, failing miserably but in the process creating a skewed but alluring new pop persona. Print edition only
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8.0
126542
8.0 |
The Irish Times
A serious grower for anyone enamoured by the Manics. It’s their best album since Futurology in 2014 and another fine addition to a fascinating mature phase
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8.0
126587
8.0 |
PopMatters
Manic Street Preachers’ The Ultra Vivid Lament is as rich, melancholic, and intelligent as ever, but also riddled with doubts and anxieties
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8.0
126600
8.0 |
Clash
While subtle, this album captures the evolution of a band in their element once more
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8.0
126640
8.0 |
NME
The band delve into loss, insecurity and existential dread, resulting in some of the prettiest songs of their career
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7.7
126956
7.7 |
Spectrum Culture
Creeping middle age seems to make things less clear than they used to be, but the veteran Preachers still rock with a purpose
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7.0
126604
7.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
This is an album which the Welsh trio would have dreamed of writing some 30 years ago, when the aura of rock ‘n’ roll’s European bad boys was partially outshining their talent
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7.0
126610
7.0 |
DIY
A requiem, but one that looks for sonic positivity in the thematic darkness
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7.0
126596
7.0 |
Vinyl Chapters
The album grows on you and sounds better with every listen. Overall, an impressive return for the legendary British outfit
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6.0
126544
6.0 |
The Independent
The Ultra Vivid Lament is the band’s first album conceived on piano rather than guitar. It’s a move that lends itself nicely to the overall mood of melancholia
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6.0
126569
6.0 |
musicOMH
At times it rocks, at other moments it dives and leaves you wondering how the same guys can afford to detour so much after the relative success of Resistance Is Futile’s differing approach
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6.0
126648
6.0 |
Gigwise
A pleasant surprise
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6.0
126690
6.0 |
Evening Standard
Long term fans may wish that these songs had sharper teeth. Bradfield’s big voice suits an electric guitar after all. But considered as a shock Eurovision entry, this is a fun diversion
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6.0
126746
6.0 |
God Is In The TV
Whether you’re a fan of the direction they’ve taken or not, nobody can deny that it was a bold and impressive move for a band of such longevity to explore a new sound and we’re interested to see what they’ll do for album fifteen
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