Albums to watch

Muchacho

Phosphorescent

Muchacho

Sixth LP of experimental indie and folk from Matthew Houck

ADM rating[?]

7.8

Label
Dead Oceans
UK Release date
18/03/2013
US Release date
19/03/2013
  1. 10.0 |   State

    Though many have turned their suffering into art, few have done so as beautifully as Matthew Houck
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  2. 9.3 |   Paste Magazine

    Inspiring and essential and human
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  3. 9.1 |   A.V. Club

    Houck’s most accomplished release to date—his most heartrending and life-affirming, equal parts lost-love devastation and hip-swaying, horn-led exultation
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  4. 8.8 |   Pitchfork

    His voice is an unreliable instrument - reedy, hiccuping, prone to cutting out entirely mid-note - but he plies it heartbreakingly, never more than on Muchacho
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  5. 8.4 |   Beats Per Minute

    Long may the heartache continue, because it seems like there’s plenty more gold to be mined from those depths
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  6. 8.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    A well balanced listen, one that finds Houck adding new hues to old canvases and striking gold at every turn
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  7. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    No matter what happens to Phosphorescent from here on out, Muchacho is an artist setting a new standard
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  8. 8.0 |   The 405

    Stark honesty is much of the appeal of Muchacho
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  9. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Muchacho is very much a solitary pursuit, with Houck multi-tracking instruments and voices, dabbling in electronics and inviting guests to contribute when required
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  10. 8.0 |   The Independent

    Phosphorescent's Matthew Houck augments his usual reedy Americana stylings with some unexpected developments
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  11. 8.0 |   Bowlegs

    What makes Houck a cut above the Mumfords of the world is his use of sparse bursts of electronica, as heard on Song For Zula, and sumptuous strings
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  12. 8.0 |   All Music

    Muchacho has some of Houck's best songwriting since his early days
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  13. 8.0 |   BBC

    A vibrant, evocative LP, and a welcome addition to the Phosphorescent catalogue
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  14. 8.0 |   Q

    The initial results of his newfound hobby are startling. Print edition only

  15. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Houck embraces his inner Eno. Print edition only

  16. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Confronts personal demons in a flurry of synth and pedal steel. Print edition only

  17. 8.0 |   Clash

    A beautiful outing in hauntingly pastoral heartbreak. Impressive
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  18. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    It’s hard to see why Muchacho wouldn’t capture the hearts of those enchanted by Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes or Calexico
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  19. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    It seems to be a perfect fit to its release date, moving to spring, a few hints of the winter and darkness, but generally bright and bouncy
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  20. 7.0 |   DIY

    A record which can soothe even the darkest nights and moods
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  21. 6.0 |   The Skinny

    Experimental and ambitious, the album's highlights are sublime, even if the rest feels somewhat lost in the desert
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  22. 6.0 |   PopMatters

    Muchacho is another testament to his musical restlessness, as the album finds him combining old elements in new ways and introducing new elements to his arsenal
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  23. 5.5 |   The AU Review

    Muchacho is a disappointment. Phosphorescent is clearly capable but unfortunately misguided, leading to a draining and uninspired album
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Phosphorescent: Muchacho

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. Sun, Arise! (An Invocation, An Introduction) £0.99
  • 2. Song For Zula £0.99
  • 3. Ride On / Right On £0.99
  • 4. Terror In The Canyons (The Wounded Master) £0.99
  • 5. A Charm / A Blade £0.99
  • 6. Muchacho's Tune £0.99
  • 7. A New Anhedonia £0.99
  • 8. The Quotidian Beasts £0.99
  • 9. Down to Go £0.99
  • 10. Sun's Arising (A Koan, an Exit) £0.99
  • 11. Digital Booklet - Muchacho N/A
  • Service provided by 7Digital

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