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Altar Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The second full-length release from London-based Irish trio NewDad was produced by Shrink.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. 80
    ‘Altar’ is a beautiful portrait of working out what you’re willing to give up and how to keep pushing yourself forward despite the aching within you.
  2. Sep 18, 2025
    80
    What remains from their early work is their command of atmosphere. What’s new is a real prestige in the instrumentation, felt in the soaring interlude on Mr Cold Embrace, the restrained build of Something’s Broken and in the scuzzy layered guitars on the thrillingly furious Roobosh.
  3. Oct 1, 2025
    75
    Their caustic alt-rock is at its best when it’s matched by Dawson’s furious reflections and cathartic outbursts.
  4. Sep 18, 2025
    70
    There’s also the disappointing ‘Sinking Kind Of Feeling’ and opener ‘Other Side’, the latter’s slow build at odds with the overall tone of the record. Still, it’s a great stride forwards with some tracks that’ll likely go down as some of the band’s best.
  5. 70
    Their growth is obvious: the songwriting is more versatile and the dynamics more daring, the emotional range broader.
  6. Uncut
    Oct 13, 2025
    70
    In looking to ramp up their sound for bigger stages, the Galway trio have adopted a polished style of shoegaze in place of the earthy charm that won them admirers such as Robert Smith. This suits the muscular new songs of Julie Dawson. [Dec 2025, p.36]