18 May 2013
Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 publications worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.
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Debut album of alt.folk infused rock from the London five-piece produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol)
6.9
An extraordinary debut from a new British-based band who combine a gipsy swagger with tremulous sensitivity and gothic rock drama Read Review
An album that both plays to their strengths and showcases a diversity of modes, each sculpted authentically. An outstanding effort Read Review
This is a surefooted and uncompromising collection Read Review
The mix of craft and believability is irresistible. Print edition only
Dry The River have paved the way for their inevitable success in 2012, and ‘Shallow Bed’ is set to prove that the band’s incessant hard work will be completely worth the endeavour – and the wait Read Review
Full of passion. Print edition only
Catchy melodies, big choruses and emotive storytelling Read Review
The emo/hardcore elements mixed in are interesting, but they’re jarring shoved in amongst the record’s prettier, softer parts—perhaps next time they’ll settle for one approach or the other Read Review
They most evoke a Neon Bible-era Arcade Fire slightly shorn of the romance and nostalgia Read Review
An uplifting debut Read Review
It's accomplished, luxuriant, expertly crafted Read Review
Rich instrumentation, nimble lyrics and emotional gales of choruses Read Review
Instead of charm you’ve got big dramatic gestures at every turn Read Review
Schooled on U2/Snow Patrol, lofty Brits emit a church-friendly vibe that confuses uplifting and grandiose Read Review
Dry the River take their music so seriously, even Sting would giggle Read Review
A minor update of the already hackneyed blueprint for contemporary folk-rock that’s enjoyed chart success over the past few years: let’s call it Mumford 2.0 Read Review
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Dry The River: Shallow Bed
Pistol Annies Annie Up
If Annie Up doesn't quite break the country genre's familiar format, it's a hell of a lot of fun Slant Magazine
A pretty tasty serving of grits and sass Spin
A record that feels in every sense like a thoroughly integrated effort; the work of a group, not three individuals All Music
Their hearts are in every line and note Paste Magazine
The lyrics are carefully written and thoughtfully sung; the arrangements share similar qualities, with settings that suit the songs and brief solos that come in and echo the song’s emotions in a way that feels perfect Pop Matters
Country's new generation of strong female voices is on a roll in 2013 – and Pistol Annies remain at its forefront The Guardian
There may be better bands than Pistol Annies, but what band is more of a hoot? Rolling Stone
Wampire Curiosity
Their songs have a sharpness to them that makes them sparkle through the lysergic fug. Print edition only Q
Laura Marling Once I Was An Eagle
Once I was An Eagle is entirely Laura Marling's trip - beautiful, heartfelt, searching, sublime - and thrillingly open-ended. Print edition only Q
Var No One Dances Quite Like My Brothers
Something serene, tender even. Print edition only Uncut
Recalls Joni Mitchell's landmark Blue in the way she ruthlessly dissects her love life, hunting for emotional satisfaction. Print edition only Uncut
Sarcastic, ironic - and occasionally infuriating. Print edition only Mojo
It's the sweet sound of this unique talent evolving and it's utterly captivating. Print edition only Mojo
Yet another crowning achievement in this young woman's remarkable career to date The Digital Fix
Whether she is softly crooning over a plucked guitar or dabbling with organs and percussion for quietly cacophonous climaxes, Marling is never less than captivating The Irish Times
And the winner is ... no, not Daft Punk but a Californian garage punk
Since we've been around, that is. So, the highest-rated albums from the past four years or so
Frank Ocean Channel Orange
Anaïs Mitchell Hadestown
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
PJ Harvey Let England Shake
My Bloody Valentine mbv
Ry Cooder Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city
Arcade Fire The Suburbs
Tom Waits Bad As Me
Janelle Monáe The ArchAndroid