-
8.0
110936
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
The interplay of frayed confessional tenacity with pristine production polish reinforces this ambiguity, a tension that secures this as a confident follow-up to an acclaimed 2015 breakthrough
Read Review
-
8.0
110937
8.0 |
The Independent
Musically, she’s developed her arrangements and become bolder, too
Read Review
-
8.0
110941
8.0 |
Under The Radar
Our guide steers us through the limbo between growing and grown up, which she calls Grim Town
Read Review
-
8.0
110955
8.0 |
All Music
With its mix of catchy and moving songs, an artful structure, and a way with words, Grim Town delivers a piece of Zeitgeist as well as a solid set of tunes
Read Review
-
8.0
110959
8.0 |
The Irish Times
Her writing is as rich as ever but it’s SOAK sense of boldness on Grim Town that feels like major step on her creative odyssey
Read Review
-
8.0
110961
8.0 |
Q
On this excellent record, she maps a route forward. Print edition only
-
7.4
111053
7.4 |
Paste Magazine
Grim Town makes growing up seem—well, grim—but Monds-Watson skillfully captures its bitter realities as well as the stirring memories that become life fuel
Read Review
-
7.3
110934
7.3 |
Pitchfork
The Northern Irish musician graduates from lonesome singer-songwriter to bold art-pop auteur; her growing confidence translates to emotionally probing songs of startling candor
Read Review
-
7.0
110935
7.0 |
The Music
There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but trimming the fat is an important skill that, once SOAK learns, will vastly improve her output
Read Review
-
7.0
110932
7.0 |
PopMatters
SOAK's second album, Grim Town, belies its pessimistic title with some jaunty and bracing anthems of escape and liberation
Read Review
-
7.0
110933
7.0 |
Clash
The melodies are intoxicating and their ability to wind and intertwine is captivating, but it’s Monds-Watson’s vocals that are the real star
Read Review
-
7.0
110949
7.0 |
Exclaim
Grim Town is a concept in itself: it is a fictitious location, an embodiment of feeling that has been brought to life by the sentiment and memory that revolve around it
Read Review
-
7.0
111114
7.0 |
Spectrum Culture
For all the sadness, some of Grim Town’s best moments are found in defiance and victory
Read Review
-
7.0
111256
7.0 |
Earbuddy
Grim Town is her idea of a dystopian environment, but it also pulls a lot of inspiration from her own hometown of Derry
Read Review
-
7.0
111001
7.0 |
DIY
The album mixes together glossy, upbeat production with tales of disappointment, confusion and intergenerational angst
Read Review
-
6.8
110954
6.8 |
Northern Transmissions
There are definite moments of strength and potential, especially in her maturing production, though a few strong trees don’t make a forest.
Read Review
-