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9.2
36402
9.2 |
The AU Review
Area 52 is a wondrous mix of genres and musical styles, from jazz to flamenco. It’s a joyful album; it’s impossible not to have a smile on your face whilst listening
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8.0
36403
8.0 |
AU Review
Yet another breathtaking reinvention from two of the most naturally gifted axe-slingers around
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8.0
36395
8.0 |
The Guardian
Their most unexpected work to date, a classy, varied and upbeat set
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8.0
36396
8.0 |
Independent on Sunday
Just go with it, OK. The result is a seething, soundtracky, high-gloss, high-energy orchestral Latin fusion
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8.0
36400
8.0 |
DIY
'Area 52' – although simply collected re-imaginings of the old tunes – is a breath of fresh air and a bona fide LP par excellence
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8.0
37395
8.0 |
Q
Groundbreaking and mind-boggling. Print edition only
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8.0
37504
8.0 |
The Digital Fix
A galloping triumph, a startling and irresistible reinvention, far from worthy and free of navel-gazing
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7.6
36526
7.6 |
Paste Magazine
The departure offers something that the band had never previously done and will give fans the chance to enjoy the expansion as long as they’re willing to accept it
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7.2
36777
7.2 |
Beats Per Minute
The next step is getting these guys on the next Mars Volta album, because on the evidence of Area 52, they’re a match made in heaven
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7.0
36994
7.0 |
PopMatters
They are in sonic competition with a dense mix of world-class musicians, making the overall result great, but washing out the instrumental singularity that they are known for
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7.0
36482
7.0 |
Consequence Of Sound
There are thoughtful, pithy solos sprinkled into songs, with variations of instrumentation to keep it fresh and exciting
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7.0
36404
7.0 |
Rave Magazine
Those who appreciate fine musicianship or are fond of the character of Latin music will find much to enjoy here, and on those strengths, Area 52 is worth some consideration
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7.0
36405
7.0 |
The Irish Times
At times the arrangements are overworked, but the suspicion is that this collision will soar in a Rodrigo y Gabriela live setting, where they’ve always relished a hairpin bend or three
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6.0
36423
6.0 |
Uncut
There's a punch that saves them drifting into coffee-table politesse. Print edition only
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6.0
36424
6.0 |
Mojo
It's exciting and the musicianship is undeniable. But they're still best when the basic Paco Pena influences surface. Print edition only
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6.0
36522
6.0 |
BBC
Nine numbers from the pair’s back catalogue are reworked, with mixed results
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6.0
36535
6.0 |
Evening Standard
A lot more musicians playing furiously without let-up
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6.0
36401
6.0 |
The Fly
When the combinations match up, it proves exactly how impressive this band have become
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6.0
36393
6.0 |
Drowned In Sound
This album will infuriate many but bewitch some. It’s certainly a record that wants to make you move; maybe the problem is that it’s trying too hard to push the duo's aesthetic into more open waters
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6.0
36394
6.0 |
The Observer
It's a qualified success ... while their propulsive guitar work on "Santo Domingo" is bolstered with thrilling gusts of brass, on "Logos" dynamism gives way to loungey longueurs
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6.0
36397
6.0 |
Clash
An unrelenting tirade with few moments to pause and catch one's breath
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6.0
36398
6.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Rodrigo Y Gabriela may have intended to showcase a different skill here, but instead they’ve confirmed they would be better off sticking to what they do best
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6.0
36399
6.0 |
The Skinny
For the most part feels more like flashy, superficial background music than an album which demands close engagement
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5.0
36437
5.0 |
No Ripcord
Determined to bring a blast of sunshine into the cold misery of January
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