Chinese Fountain
by The Growlers
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Under The Radar
    Oct 28, 2014
    80
    It is the combination of vibrant, light-hearted instrumentation and intelligent lyrics that make Chinese Fountain one of the best guitar albums of the year.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 29, 2014
    80
    Ultimately, the Growlers’ sunny disposition and incredibly natural, economical style of songcraft carries them through Chinese Fountain, an album which manages the impressive feat of leaving the listener both utterly satisfied and hungry for more.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Sep 29, 2014
    80
    Chinese Fountain really is everything that you would expect from these beach grungers, but it’s still fantastically unique and sparkles delightfully with fun and a sheer honesty.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 29, 2014
    80
    The barbed musings on dead scenes (‘Dull Boy’) and vacuous hipsters (the aforementioned ‘Big Toe’) add lyrical bite to an album that, sonically, barely strays from good vibes territory.
  6. Consequence
    Oct 1, 2014
    75
    Ultimately, Chinese Fountain is a turning point. In a way, this is their most divisive record, the first time fans will have something to disagree over.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Sep 29, 2014
    75
    Chinese Fountain, while remaining true to the band’s “beach goth” essence, is blessedly direct, with sharper songwriting and engaging melodies at the center of every song.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Supergrasser
    Dec 25, 2015
    9
    A more clean and typically produced album from Los Growlers, a move away from the home recorded tape sound they had been using. The charm isA more clean and typically produced album from Los Growlers, a move away from the home recorded tape sound they had been using. The charm is still there though, and if anything The Growlers musical development and capabilities are shown off more than they would be on a rougher recording. Brooks Nielsen's lyrics are fantastic and he is surely one of the most underrated lyricists going, as well as his soulful yet gritty vocals. They seem to create a dark atmosphere from something that could be so surf-pop, which is what makes this album their own - creating something truly original.… Full Review »
  2. c4rboni
    Mar 7, 2018
    10
    [PT-BR] Esse álbum é incrível de mais! O jeito como growlers consegue misturar o "Surf Rock" com a "Psicodelia" aqui ficou extremamente[PT-BR] Esse álbum é incrível de mais! O jeito como growlers consegue misturar o "Surf Rock" com a "Psicodelia" aqui ficou extremamente maravilhoso, sem falar das belissimas letras de Brooks Nielsen.… Full Review »
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