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9.1
27656
9.1 |
A.V. Club
A focused, cohesive album with a rocker’s confidence powering through each track
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8.3
30329
8.3 |
Beats Per Minute
Saving the best for last, there’s “Sara,” a lovely ode to his wife. It’s as infectious as it is emotionally effective, a rare unfiltered approach to songwriting that we’re not accustomed to in his music
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8.0
27958
8.0 |
Uncut
Print edition only
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8.0
28012
8.0 |
Drowned In Sound
For a record so intentionally bare, it is clogged with innovation and ideas
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8.0
28180
8.0 |
Bowlegs
The Canadian musician has put together his finest creation yet
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8.0
28194
8.0 |
Consequence Of Sound
His familiar anguish as a lyricist, combined with Diaper Island’s expanded sound, gives listeners a matured VanGaalen, and one of his best releases yet
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8.0
28279
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
This is the finest progression from the Calgary based singer, songwriter, producer and artist, and he is fast becoming one of Canada’s most prolific hidden gems
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8.0
27654
8.0 |
Daily Telegraph
Sharper production focuses the singer’s woozier tendencies, revealing a succession of hooks
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8.0
27658
8.0 |
The Skinny
The end result is beguiling, and destined to grow in stature with every listen
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8.0
27659
8.0 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
Feels just as uncompromising, if in a different way, as the equally miserable Blood on the Tracks
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7.5
27657
7.5 |
Pitchfork
Beneath the surface-layer thrill of some of these songs are subtle character shifts and brave one-liners, all of which confirm VanGaalen's status as gripping songwriter as well as a producer
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7.0
27655
7.0 |
Prefix
For much of Diaper Island, he hits his sweet spot of raw indie folk-rock, but for others he seems to be bending his personality to fit the demands of guitar noise
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7.0
27922
7.0 |
NME
Sweeter than its landfill-conjuring name suggests
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7.0
28603
7.0 |
AU Review
Awkward, angular, eccentric
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7.0
28710
7.0 |
musicOMH
Meaningful, lasting music
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7.0
28857
7.0 |
AU Review
Rather addictive
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7.0
28878
7.0 |
Rave Magazine
A charming slow-burner of album, albeit one that could do with a little more focus
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6.0
28057
6.0 |
The Fly
This’ll be loved intensely by a blessed few
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6.0
27937
6.0 |
Mojo
Songs swing between new wave rockers and skewed loner odes. Print edition only
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