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High Places vs Mankind?

High Places

High Places vs Mankind?

Brooklyn experimental duo multi-instrumentalist Rob Barber and vocalist Mary Pearson with a second album of dub, polyrhythms and samples

ADM rating[?]

7.1

Label
Thrill Jockey
UK Release date
22/03/2010
  1. 8.0 |   Bowlegs

    Maintains much of the charm the duo have perfected, yet manages to progress the sound beyond the muffled filters, to a much clearer, cleaner space and time
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  2. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    A slow turn of the wheel, an organic betterment that feels both necessary and an obvious progression to what came before ... Mankind is their most complete work to date
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  3. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Intriguing, enigmatic, and one of a kind. Print edition only

  4. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    It's their most fully realized recording to date, a terrific record that showcases that beyond the sonic window dressing, the act are top notch songwriters
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  5. 7.0 |   NME

    Print edition only

  6. 7.0 |   Pitchfork

    Far from the doe-eyed innocence and sunny bliss of their earlier work, High Places are darker and much more somber here, and their approach to recording and presentation has changed
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  7. 7.0 |   Blurt

    There are no big climaxes in this album, just a consistent undulating pleasure
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  8. 7.0 |   Spin

    Rob Barber intensifies the band's trademark polyrhythms with snappy post-punk bass and eerie dub echoes
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  9. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    Unlike previous efforts, High Places are committing themselves to a scene, trendy as it may be, and writing songs that equate to more than electronic whirls and bangs
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  10. 7.0 |   Rave Magazine

    The strong moments outweigh the weak ones, but this feels like a growing step for a band whose best work is still to come
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  11. 6.6 |   Beats Per Minute

    There are some great tracks here and if you feel like cherrypicking, you could make a pretty wonderful compilation from the High Places discography so far. While this may not be their masterpiece, there’s enough here to hold out hope for next time
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  12. 6.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    ... a lot more obviously danceable than before
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