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10.0
138820
10.0 |
Record Collector
As an artist known for rallying against the injustices of the world, Johnson could have created an album of unremitting gloom given the current state of global affairs. It’s to his credit that Ensoulment is a welcome – and hopeful – return from a man who obviously still has much to offer
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9.0
138825
9.0 |
Spill Magazine
Ensoulment was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it did not disappoint. Fellow fans of The The will most likely feel the same, and the album may even win over some new people
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8.0
138821
8.0 |
Mojo
Sometimes co-written with The The’s guitarist Barrie Cadogan or keyboardist DC Collard, these 12 songs cement Johnson’s ‘cherishable agitator’ status. And – whisper it – there’s hope here, too. Print edition only
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7.0
138823
7.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Ensoulment doesn’t shy away from confronting raw emotions, but nevertheless finds time for wry humour in amongst the essential soul-searching - much like life itself
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7.0
138824
7.0 |
PopMatters
Life is hard, and the world is a dangerous place. The The’s Matt Johnson has never shied away from these realities. He’s as pithy and perceptive as ever
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7.0
138826
7.0 |
Northern Transmissions
As to be expected, THE THE deliver in all of the areas they are best at with Ensoulment: poignant commentary and emotional lyricism by Matt Johnson, and smooth grooving instrumentation from start to finish
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7.0
138827
7.0 |
Far Out
The latest vibrant record poetically discusses different issues with gorgeous music. You could listen to it at face value or take the time to dissect it; regardless, it’s well worth a spin
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6.0
138822
6.0 |
Uncut
While stylistically varied, it can feel a little lacking in variety and dynamism at times, as it very much sits in mid-tempo mode for much of the 12 tracks. Print edition only
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