Albums to watch

Big Balloon

Dutch Uncles

Big Balloon

Fifth album from the Manchester-based indie pop quartet

ADM rating[?]

7.1

Label
Memphis Industries
UK Release date
17/02/2017
US Release date
17/02/2017
  1. 9.0 |   Exclaim

    They are shaping their own pop form, and what an incredible listen it is
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  2. 9.0 |   The Quietus

    As they approach their tenth year, their latest – and surely greatest – release to date is a consistently fascinating tour de force from a band whose quest for perfect individuality continues to be a joy to behold
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  3. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    While long-term fans will lap up the album, there’s still not really that killer commercial breakthrough which will see them following the likes of Foals into bigger arenas
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  4. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    Big Balloon’s highs, and there are many, don’t owe much to either trends or the tried-and-true. Perhaps that’s part of the maturing process that Wallis had in mind
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  5. 8.0 |   DIY

    Something of a trip back into the left-field, tricky rock they were making at the start of the decade
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  6. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    Dutch Uncles have captured the cold, industrial grind of being broke and betrayed in austerity Britain
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  7. 8.0 |   Uncut

    A high-flying triumph. Print edition only

  8. 7.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    A catchy and consistent collection of idiosyncratic indie-pop tracks from a band who hopefully have another 9 years left in them
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  9. 7.0 |   God Is In The TV

    I dare say there will be half a dozen albums this year comparable to Dutch Uncles. Will there be any better? I fear, probably
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  10. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    While the album suffers just a tad from relentless busy-ness, its proggy ambition combines with Wallis' penchant for gently ambitious, catchy melodies to make a creative work very few artists are capable of achieving
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  11. 7.0 |   Spectrum Culture

    Songs that touch on the realities of contemporary life
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  12. 7.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Nobody could accuse them of chasing a broader audience, sticking as they have done to the dense, busy post-punk style that has guided them since their 2009 debut
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  13. 6.6 |   Gig Soup

    They haven't stepped back into safe, tried-and-tested territory. There's some new ideas on the album and most are executed with conviction
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  14. 6.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    It might not be all we'd hoped for, and could certainly benefit from some variety, but there are just about enough standouts here to keep admirers interested
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  15. 6.0 |   The Skinny

    There’s much to like – Hiccup and Oh Yeah are great fun, while the tension between the wonky agitated bassline and chilled-out guitar on Streetlight is total ear candy
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  16. 6.0 |   Q

    A band still in search of that one killer track. Print edition only

  17. 6.0 |   The Irish Times

    If it’s hyperactive nu-new-wave thrills you’re after, you could do a lot worse
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  18. 5.0 |   Crack

    Dutch Uncles veer uncomfortably close to being predictable. Anathema for a band with weirdness ingrained so heavily in their DNA
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Dutch Uncles: Big Balloon

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. Big Balloon £0.99
  • 2. Baskin' £0.99
  • 3. Combo Box £0.99
  • 4. Same Plane Dream £0.99
  • 5. Achameleon £0.99
  • 6. Hiccup £0.99
  • 7. Streetlight £0.99
  • 8. Oh Yeah £0.99
  • 9. Sink £0.99
  • 10. Overton £0.99
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