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9.0
98316
9.0 |
God Is In The TV
Cost of Living is the kind of album that must be appreciated in its entirety for the songs to really make sense
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9.0
98393
9.0 |
Punk News
Cost of Living stands out as one of the best albums of the year so far, and the best album that Downtown Boys have put out to date
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8.5
98810
8.5 |
Paste Magazine
Whether they are addressing workers’ rights, saving net neutrality, the white-cis-het hegemony or police brutality, among countless other topics to manage to fit into a 35-minute album, Downtown Boys stay angry, but are never pessimistic
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8.4
99254
8.4 |
Gig Soup
Like a thirty-four-minute middle finger
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8.3
98296
8.3 |
A.V. Club
An unrelenting barrage of razor-sharp guitar riots, pogo-punk grooves, and defiant sentiments
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8.0
98303
8.0 |
All Music
Downtown Boys have an even greater sense of purpose on Cost of Living, and lead singer Victoria Ruiz rises to the challenge, shouting with all the fire and commitment she can muster and then some
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8.0
98268
8.0 |
No Ripcord
The angry punk song may be as antiquated as they come, but there’s also a reason why it never loses its relevance. There will always be something to feel indignant about, and Downtown Boys make every sweat-drenched moment count
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8.0
98269
8.0 |
Loud And Quiet
Underneath the wailing, split-lip vocals is a crispness that defines the record, turning the frenzy into something more than just musical rebellion
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8.0
98270
8.0 |
The Skinny
Dialing down some of the hardcore and d-beat elements of their last LP, Cost of Living moves towards steadier, cleaner arrangements of lean guitars, drums and bass with the familiar tenor saxophone and synthesizer for extra colour
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8.0
98291
8.0 |
The Guardian
Rapid-fire rage with a new sense of political urgency
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8.0
98394
8.0 |
Mojo
Ruiz's best mode is mocking fury, wielded against Trump, scene exclusivity and the consequences of silence. The leering tone makes an already fearless record genuinely fun. Print edition only
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8.0
98420
8.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Downtown Boys are on the streets, marching, rioting, singing
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7.5
98319
7.5 |
Under The Radar
The smoother edges still don't dull the thrill of loud, angry young people with something to say
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7.5
98267
7.5 |
Pitchfork
Revels in the gleaming, multi-tracked expanse of a professional recording studio. It’s a richer, fuller sound
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7.0
99941
7.0 |
PopMatters
Fulfills the noblest of expectations
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7.0
99034
7.0 |
Tiny Mix Tapes
Cost of Living seizes access and redirects energy. Its effect is mild. Nonetheless, beyond the pragmatism it bears, Downtown Boys’ message and intent is not compromised
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7.0
98423
7.0 |
Earbuddy
Downtown Boys’ message may not connect with all listeners, but there will be those who won’t allow the bad guys to win
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7.0
98398
7.0 |
Drowned In Sound
More than anything it’s a relief to hear a band so passionately pissed off
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7.0
98401
7.0 |
Rolling Stone
Refreshing both in its white-knuckled attack and its far-left specificity
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7.0
98395
7.0 |
Uncut
Like a cross between X-Ray Spex and rage Against The Machine as reinterpreted via US hardcore. Print edition only
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6.0
98396
6.0 |
Q
The band's simmering anger are leavened by a sophisticated musical backdrop utilising brass and keyboards. Print edition only
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6.0
98365
6.0 |
The Observer
There’s a compelling quality to Victoria Ruiz’s vocals, and the welcome brass embellishments recall X-Ray Spex’s Lora Logic
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