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Big Swimmer Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The second full-length release from British indie rock duo King Hannah features a gust appearance by Sharon Van Etten and was produced by Ali Chant.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. 80
    While the set brims with a sense of unrest and dislocation, it also rouses an implicit exuberance: though we suffer profoundly, art is redemptive, life is inexplicably beautiful.
  2. Uncut
    Jun 24, 2024
    80
    The record is a listen-through winner, but the title track and languid, acoustic closer "John Prine On The Radio" are standouts. [Aug 2024, p.35]
  3. May 30, 2024
    80
    On Big Swimmer, they embrace the uncertainty of it all with refreshing stamina and poise; letting the forces at play wreak some havoc so that they may reach new ground, transformed.
  4. Mojo
    May 30, 2024
    80
    Lyrically, it's Merrick's diary of their delirious reaction to that vast continent, such as the sublime desolation of Somewhere near El Paso, bathed in "a half-lit Denny's sign", or Lily Pad, where Merrick, sounding almost horizontal. [Jul 2024, p.88]
  5. Jun 10, 2024
    80
    They have delivered another satisfying set of songs that provides their audience with a rewarding listen.
  6. Jun 20, 2024
    75
    Big Swimmer doesn’t feel rushed or hurried. There’s space to let the songs breathe, to let them seep into your bones, to cast their spell, making it a hugely rewarding and often soothing listen.
  7. Jun 5, 2024
    69
    Whenever the album breaks out of its stream-of-consciousness flow, it shows a clearer sense of identity. Merrick’s secret weapon is her soaring singing voice.

See all 8 Critic Reviews