Handfuls of Night
by Penguin Cafe
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Mojo
    Oct 4, 2019
    80
    Exudes confidence as it cleverly tweaks harmonic principles and discreetly unveils its dramatic arc. [Nov 2019, p.93]
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  2. AllMusic
    Oct 4, 2019
    80
    Conveying a sense of childlike wonder about the natural world, the album is full of life and immensely enjoyable.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Oct 4, 2019
    80
    There’s still a distinct Penguin Cafe magic to Handfuls Of Night. The music here won’t come as a surprise to people familiar with their increasingly tightly managed aesthetic but it still provides a wonderfully calming sanctuary to temporarily get lost in.
  5. Exclaim
    Oct 4, 2019
    70
    There's nothing especially innovative or unique about Handfuls of Night, but what it does, it does very well and should find great resonance with fans and filmmakers seeking some palpable sonic gravitas to help sell an emotional scene.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. PurelyAnecdotal
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    Intricate melodies, engaging pacing and ingenious instrumental compositions capable of allowing one to vicariously experience vastly differentIntricate melodies, engaging pacing and ingenious instrumental compositions capable of allowing one to vicariously experience vastly different lives - that of different breeds of penguins - and breathtaking artic landscapes. An impressive range of instruments and textures gorgeously performed by brilliant minds and musicians who certainly sound like they take great pride, joy and thought in what they do. Got me into a really pensive yet positive state of mind at certain tracks. Definitely listen to "At the Top of the Hill, They Stood...", "Gentoo Origin", "The Life of an Emperor", "Adelie" and "Chinstrap". This album is conceptually more cohesive and consistently more captivating than the group last effort, i.e. "The Imperfect Sea"… Full Review »
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