Ants From Up There
by Black Country, New Road
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 250 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 220 out of 250
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 250
  3. Negative: 23 out of 250
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Lodz
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    Music at its best. No superfluous sounds. Perfectly crafted songs that really sound. A little bit like Mahavishnu (King Crimson) meet Mark Hollis and Talk Talk from Laughing Stock era. Incredibly beautiful, intoxicating masterpiece. An instant classic.
  2. ReubenIsAGod
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Made me feel things I hadn't in a while. Joy, disgust, sadness and hope. What a beautiful album. I was somewhat luke warm on their first record...but this...this was breathtaking...no idea where the band head now with Isaac leaving them...but damn! Nothing quite like this tbh. Worth every penny.
  3. reoffender59
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    What is not to like? This album is an instant classic. This is going to be as influential to the indie music scene as Arcade Fire's Funeral was in 2000s.
  4. jasonelman5
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    This album had one of the most impactful "first listens" I've ever had in my life. I see people comparing it to Funeral by Arcade Fire and it's exactly in that vein - it connects on a very personal level. Compared to Arcade Fire though, this is a decidedly less fun album... you won't be chanting to these songs during a pre-drink with your friends. With that said, it is an extraordinarilyThis album had one of the most impactful "first listens" I've ever had in my life. I see people comparing it to Funeral by Arcade Fire and it's exactly in that vein - it connects on a very personal level. Compared to Arcade Fire though, this is a decidedly less fun album... you won't be chanting to these songs during a pre-drink with your friends. With that said, it is an extraordinarily emotionally evocative album that I will be revisiting for years to come.… Expand
  5. BrushedRed
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Being a huge fan of these guys since their debut, I have to say I was eagerly anticipating their next move. I am completely blown away by how incredible this album is! It is absolutely nothing like their debut, but that's not a detriment in any way. It is honestly even better, taking a new post-rock and soothing direction. I listened to this album 3 times last night, with several times IBeing a huge fan of these guys since their debut, I have to say I was eagerly anticipating their next move. I am completely blown away by how incredible this album is! It is absolutely nothing like their debut, but that's not a detriment in any way. It is honestly even better, taking a new post-rock and soothing direction. I listened to this album 3 times last night, with several times I had to play a song over and over just to soak in and revel in the moment. "Haldern" had me almost in the fetal position. This is some damn good music that will have you in your feelings, but in the best way possible, even if it's sad. This will be a decade great for the 2020's: mark my words. I cannot believe this exists!… Expand
  6. RadioheadLuv17
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    I give this a 10/10 not because I think Ants from Up Here is a perfect album, but because I can’t remember the last time I heard an indie rock record and was this excited over it, or had the feeling that I had just heard a “classic”. The album opens with “Chaos Space Marine”, a zany and upbeat introduction to an album that is anything but. My first thought upon hearing it was that it’sI give this a 10/10 not because I think Ants from Up Here is a perfect album, but because I can’t remember the last time I heard an indie rock record and was this excited over it, or had the feeling that I had just heard a “classic”. The album opens with “Chaos Space Marine”, a zany and upbeat introduction to an album that is anything but. My first thought upon hearing it was that it’s sorta a mess, but its jammy lightness has grown on me with repeated listens and the crunchy halftime riff at the end uhhh (?) slaps (?).

    What follows is eight beautiful post rock inspired chamber pop epics, evocative of the best bits of Arcade Fire, Tindersticks and even Steve Reich. The lyrics are quirky and often funny without ever being precious, and at their best can be subtly devastating. Highlights include “Concorde”, “Bread Song”, “Good Will Hunting”, “Snow Globes” and the epic closer “Basketball Shoes”. Three of these songs bring me almost to tears, the other two make me insanely happy.    … Expand
  7. Brunnogamer325
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    One of the bests albums I've ever heard. It's great to be alive and listen to this.
  8. christodoulakis
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    This is a 10, not because it is the perfect album, next to an Abbey Road, Velvet Undeground or Piper At the Gates of Dawn kind of stuff, but because it is AUTHENTIC and PURE.
    This is the quality behind it.
    I do not know if the band will go again to such high-quality limits, but who cares.
    We are here, now, to enjoy what we have.
    And what we have it is the feeling from some Ants from Up There!
  9. Henry14
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Never have I been able to feel such a range of emotions while listening to an album. Quality fights with creativity while accuracy strolls hand in hand with fluency. Calling this the classical piece of our era at the day of its release does not even seem that brave, but rather observative. I only imagine that these are the feelings that were once felt by those witnessingNever have I been able to feel such a range of emotions while listening to an album. Quality fights with creativity while accuracy strolls hand in hand with fluency. Calling this the classical piece of our era at the day of its release does not even seem that brave, but rather observative. I only imagine that these are the feelings that were once felt by those witnessing experimental-turned-classic pieces.… Expand
  10. elryo
    Feb 23, 2022
    10
    Very special. Feels like it should be very influential for future artists. Listening to this from start to end is just a joy and leaves you with F E E L I N G. Favourite track - The Place Where He Inserted The Blade
  11. Claw_PL
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    The production, lyrics, music, It all just screams instant music classic.And i believe it's gonna be strong contender for album of the year or even the album of an upcoming decade.
  12. MusicGuyMack
    Mar 8, 2022
    10
    Deftly fusing swelling, "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"-type chamber pop and the heady art rock of the likes of Arcade Fire, "Ants From Up There" certainly won't be to everyone's liking even with a more conscious effort by Black Country, New Road to craft a more accessible record, but fans of both aforementioned groups and those in search of something new will find plenty to love in the album'sDeftly fusing swelling, "Bon Iver, Bon Iver"-type chamber pop and the heady art rock of the likes of Arcade Fire, "Ants From Up There" certainly won't be to everyone's liking even with a more conscious effort by Black Country, New Road to craft a more accessible record, but fans of both aforementioned groups and those in search of something new will find plenty to love in the album's immaculate songwriting and rich, layered instrumentation.… Expand
  13. catholicgoth90
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    Hands down the album of the year even with some tough competition coming up
  14. PariSolunke
    Feb 10, 2022
    10
    So poignant, so good. I'm thoroughly in love.
    Good Will Hunting is one of the best songs about unrequited love I've ever heard. Could've said the same for concorde too. The closer is another highlight among highlights
  15. IkeaSecurity
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    It's difficult to describe how visceral this album is. Isaac isn't in the band any more, but his vocals and unique voice will always echo in this album. This album radiates isolation through the lens of being stuck between the screen of a video game and "the kingdom of men", the feeling of a girl pulling a hair off your sweater and drowning in you, the feeling of helplessness against aIt's difficult to describe how visceral this album is. Isaac isn't in the band any more, but his vocals and unique voice will always echo in this album. This album radiates isolation through the lens of being stuck between the screen of a video game and "the kingdom of men", the feeling of a girl pulling a hair off your sweater and drowning in you, the feeling of helplessness against a deterministic god of weather shaking the snow globe that makes up your world. This is an album that makes every crumb of bread hold the weight of the world, and it is a once in a generation experience for an album. Take an hour out of your day to listen to this, maybe longer if you're prone to being destroyed emotionally.… Expand
  16. KP1994
    Apr 21, 2022
    10
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_Columbia?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Red?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Alberta_Scotties_Tournament_of_Hearts?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Finnish_Cup?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Ukraine_cyberattacks?wprov=sfla1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_Columbia?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Red?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Alberta_Scotties_Tournament_of_Hearts?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Finnish_Cup?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Ukraine_cyberattacks?wprov=sfla1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Toronto_Blue_Jays_season?wprov=sfla1… Expand
  17. MESSA21
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    Incredible, lush instrumentation with some great lyricism sparking what will be one of the best albums of the year and a cult classic for years to come 9.6/10
  18. AboveAllMusic
    Aug 19, 2022
    10
    Album of the year. Each member of the band is clearly so talented. Their chemistry is just off the charts.
  19. akhater98
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    An utter modern classic. Every moment crushing, lush, and memorable. Truly an effort from a hive mind of musical talent.
  20. 407kness
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Best album... maybe ever? Completely and utterly blown away, I had incredibly high expectations for this and it surpassed all of them by miles. Basketball Shoes might be the best song ever too. It's Feburary of the third year of a decade and the Album Of The Decade has already been discovered and crowned. Incredible. Visceral. Ethereal. Ants From Up There is a true masterpiece.
  21. Alleged
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Just an immaculate piece of work that spans the emotional spectrum. Highs, lows, and saxophones.
  22. Kylepmo
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    Seriously the best album I’ve heard in a while, already helping me get through a lot of stuff going on in my life. Tragic to hear issac left the group, praying for his well being
  23. MotoMoth
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece. A great achievement in every way, from the compositions to the playing; from the lyrics to the production; from the sad moments to the hopeful... Decade-defining album, and one of the best of this century, without a single doubt. Thank you, Isaac. Thank you, Black Country, New Road.
  24. Carlosskah
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    Already one of the best albums of the decade. Every single track is so emotional and paced so well. The production is so grand while also staying minimal at times. The imagery the lyrics create is amazing. Definitely going to be a classic.
  25. shaneyboy
    Mar 15, 2022
    10
    This the type of album that I would consider an 'instant classic'. In the coming years I think this album will certify its status as a masterful piece of work.
  26. Zeno_505
    Jul 28, 2022
    10
    低音呢喃式人声演绎相较首专而言变得更为内敛，所谓的极简主义氛围更多也是体现在人声这一环节上。此外，运用留白段落来塑造乐曲情绪递进的手段也在这张专辑中大放异彩，在渐强中推进听者情感走向的器乐编排则与留白段落一起，为歌曲流动的鼓膜共鸣铺开底色，而在此之上的是作为专辑核心的跨流派器乐段落，既有对传统结构的摒弃，也有相对古典的管弦段落，但都无一例外地保持着出色的音色审美与令人印象深刻的乐句写作。低音呢喃式人声演绎相较首专而言变得更为内敛，所谓的极简主义氛围更多也是体现在人声这一环节上。此外，运用留白段落来塑造乐曲情绪递进的手段也在这张专辑中大放异彩，在渐强中推进听者情感走向的器乐编排则与留白段落一起，为歌曲流动的鼓膜共鸣铺开底色，而在此之上的是作为专辑核心的跨流派器乐段落，既有对传统结构的摒弃，也有相对古典的管弦段落，但都无一例外地保持着出色的音色审美与令人印象深刻的乐句写作。
  27. entei36
    Apr 6, 2022
    10
    amazing and emotional i haven't had anything bless my ears and **** my mind like this before
  28. JacksonC
    Apr 25, 2022
    10
    There is not a bad song on this whole album. Isaac's vocals are emotional and sincere, the instrumentation is amazing, the lyrics are almost always meaningful, and the choruses are catchy.
  29. GamaB31
    May 12, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La vanguardia y el sentimentalismo más puro puesto en un disco, es una carta de despedida perfecta en todos sus detalles, desde líricos hasta los musicales y la forma tan barroca en que nos transmite el soportar en concordia el adiós es una experiencia que solo este disco puede lograr. Simplemente es PERFECTO… Expand
  30. OtherSide75
    May 18, 2022
    10
    Exceptional chamber pop/baroque/rock album. Sonically and lyrically, it's so varied and so well-paced.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2022
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Pitchfork
    Feb 8, 2022
    84
    Knowing how it all ends does nothing to detract from the joy Black Country, New Road have poured into Ants From Up There—not when they spend every second reminding us of why we let ourselves get swept up in these beautifully doomed fantasies to begin with.
    Read full review
  2. Glide Magazine
    Feb 7, 2022
    90
    Ants From Up Here is a thrilling listen, brimming with the confidence and electricity of a young band coming into their own on all fronts, pulling from the past but pushing it undeniably forward, and fully owning their ambition.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Feb 7, 2022
    90
    Throughout “Ants From Up Here,” and through the course of every song, Black Country, New Road tests and reinvents itself, creating music that sounds both intricately plotted and precarious.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »