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9.1
95700
9.1 |
A.V. Club
If it all sounds a bit bleak, it is—though as always, there’s beauty in the fog
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9.0
95704
9.0 |
Resident Advisor
Poignant and ragged with suffering, but it doesn't dwell there. It is also bright, optimistic and euphoric
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8.6
95827
8.6 |
Gig Soup
Matthew Barnes, the mind behind Forest Swords, blends the past and present perfectly, merging digital sounds with scratchy, vintage samples. His seamless production sometimes making it hard to distinguish between the two
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8.5
95746
8.5 |
The 405
Fans of dark electronic music will crack a smile as Forest Swords has found the winning formula once again
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8.5
95782
8.5 |
Spectrum Culture
Compassion balances out its preoccupation with various political concerns with musical styles culled from various places
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8.0
95833
8.0 |
Q
Immersive second from keen-eared electronic explorer. Print edition only
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8.0
96039
8.0 |
Tiny Mix Tapes
True to his aims, Barnes has created something that denies passivity. While it is unlikely to save the world, it might start a conversation, somewhere, between two people who would otherwise never have spoken
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8.0
95705
8.0 |
Exclaim
While Barnes is definitely well-versed in musical melancholy, there's also a thoughtful, sensitive part to balance all this pathos
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8.0
95702
8.0 |
PopMatters
Barnes has created an expressive atmospheric album that resonates with emotion both positive and negative
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8.0
95703
8.0 |
DIY
At times heart-stopping, at others movingly barren, but always thoroughly arresting
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8.0
95707
8.0 |
Loud And Quiet
It captures the uncertainty and insecurity perfectly, manifesting itself as an incongruent collection of tracks that seep deep
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8.0
95710
8.0 |
Clash
For every one building crescendo there are a dozen pull aways, moments where he elects to quash the noise and leave a single texture or melody to carry the song along on its own
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7.8
95709
7.8 |
Pitchfork
Focuses more acutely on the music’s organic elements. It retains the uncanny qualities he’s known for, but with dashes of hope
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7.0
95748
7.0 |
Earbuddy
Guides us through the darkness
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7.0
95732
7.0 |
Crack
If you find murky solace in the subterranean melancholy of Barnes’ productions, then Compassion is a rewarding listen
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7.0
95706
7.0 |
The Music
Still possesses the disorientating, otherworldly psychedelic patina that he coats his music in
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6.0
95708
6.0 |
The Skinny
Key too is the stark chasm between two dominating sound palettes – full, rich, emotional orchestration stands off against sinewy programmed beats
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6.0
95977
6.0 |
State
This is for sure Forest Swords’ most ambitious project, and a nice example of adding high-budget sheen working in favour of the artists’ themes
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4.2
95779
4.2 |
Pretty Much Amazing
Vaguely interesting, but mostly begs the question: when will this be over?
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