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9.0
4240
9.0 |
NME
Complex and artful, there’s no need to understand fugues and canons to appreciate this – its utter perfection and joy is self-evident
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9.0
6668
9.0 |
PopMatters
It is at times derivative, but it is overall a transcendent work by one of the most promising musician-artists in the contemporary scene
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8.0
5753
8.0 |
Mojo
Print edition only
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8.0
4237
8.0 |
The Independent
A typically idiosyncratic endeavour from America's most intriguing young composer.
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7.4
4242
7.4 |
Pitchfork
The BQE is probably best classified as an unusually successful vanity project, as well as evidence of Stevens' restless creativity
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7.0
4239
7.0 |
Independent on Sunday
Essentially, it sounds like Illinois, but without the singing. Which is no bad thing. Is Stevens the alt.Gershwin? The evidence in favour is mounting
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7.0
4241
7.0 |
Drowned In Sound
It’s good, then. Great, in places. As far as curios go, The BQE comprises 40 minutes of transportive, exquisitely played instrumentation, testament to Stevens’ perennially curious nature
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7.0
6494
7.0 |
Blurt
...the piece works best as audio accompaniment rather than a stand-alone experience, unless, of course, psychedelic additives are employed to enhance the encounter
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6.0
5815
6.0 |
Q
Print edition only
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6.0
6120
6.0 |
The Quietus
Perhaps the next State-themed album will allow Stevens' lyricsm to create a broader, more vivid guide to place. For now, The BQE merely - and perhaps aptly - merely feels like part of a journey to somewhere else
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6.0
7236
6.0 |
Under The Radar
...has all the hallmarks of Stevens: playful woodwinds sneaking through dancing horns, cataclysmic percussion, sweeping narrative
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6.0
4238
6.0 |
The Irish Times
There are enough bright and playful sounds here to reward a brief spin down this expressway.
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6.0
4235
6.0 |
Observer Music Monthly
...the proposition that classical might be the new pop seems to be giving us an improbably good run for our money this year
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6.0
4236
6.0 |
Uncut
In isolation from the film it accompanies, the score is beautiful, maddening, headache-inducing and slightly bonkers
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