By Default
by Band of Skulls
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: May 27, 2016
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 25, 2016
    80
    Cockily adventurous, By Default is a plasma grenade lobbed out of the blues rock trenches.
  2. musicOMH.com
    May 25, 2016
    70
    While the impressive Himalayan featured six tracks over four minutes long, By Default sees this length exceeded just once, concentrating more on short, sharp power punches.
  3. Q Magazine
    Jun 6, 2016
    60
    Aided by Pixies producer Gil Norton, they've audibly thrown everything at By Default. [#361, p.107]
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  5. Uncut
    May 25, 2016
    60
    The attitudinal posturing wears thin on "Killer" but stuttering funk, the Depeche Mode in the moshpit vibe of "Little Mamma" and a timely nod to Prince on closer "Something" all hit the spot. [Jul 2016, p.69]
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  6. The Independent (UK)
    May 25, 2016
    40
    The main problem is that overall, the aptly-titled By Default just lacks excitement and panache.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    May 27, 2016
    30
    Not everything on By Default is misogynistic, mind, it’s just that when the lyrics aren’t threatening or creepy, they make [any] sense.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. evdoe5
    Jun 7, 2016
    9
    After a few listen, I am getting around to really enjoying this album. It is not Band of Skulls' best work, but it shows they are looking forAfter a few listen, I am getting around to really enjoying this album. It is not Band of Skulls' best work, but it shows they are looking for some new sounds to incorporate into future records. They have dialed back on solos this time around and focus on riff oriented verses and some catchy choruses. Their hard work pays off in songs like Tropical Disease and Killers. However, some songs fall flat and do not really take off like Something. Overall, this is an enjoyable album for Band of Skulls fans, not their best record to date, but enjoyable nonetheless.… Full Review »
  2. anythingevery
    Jun 6, 2016
    9
    By Default borrows from Royal Blood & Primal Scream style rock n roll to create the biggest riff fest they've committed to record! This oneBy Default borrows from Royal Blood & Primal Scream style rock n roll to create the biggest riff fest they've committed to record! This one has been made to play out loud at festivals in the sunshine!… Full Review »
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