In the Rainbow Rain
by Okkervil River
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Apr 27, 2018
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. musicOMH.com
    Jun 11, 2018
    60
    Clearly Sheff is at something of a crossroads in his life and his world view is changing; perhaps he doesn’t quite know how best to make everything fit together just right. Given time, there are moments of this album that will shine, it’s just a shame there’s so few of them. 

  2. Mojo
    May 21, 2018
    60
    Songs of promise, resilience and the occasional unpredictable turn. [Jul 2018, p.98]
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  3. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 29, 2018
    60
    It’s a compelling and moving opener to In the Rainbow Rain, but nothing else here scales the same heights.
  5. AllMusic
    Apr 27, 2018
    60
    Working with producer Shawn Everett (the War on Drugs, Alabama Shakes), Sheff has crafted his least-Okkervil River-sounding Okkervil River outing to date, employing a colorful palette of sonic hues that flirt with everything from soft rock and soul to left-field '80s synth pop and Beatlesque classic rock.
  6. Q Magazine
    Apr 24, 2018
    60
    He mostly enchants, squaring literary pretensions with the band's happy fate as indie-rock comfort food. [Jun 2018, p.113]
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  7. Exclaim
    Apr 24, 2018
    60
    Although there are some standouts on the album, like the vocal push-and-pull of "Don't Move Back to L.A.," the soulful "Shelter Song" and the dramatic buildup of "Human Being Song," Sheff sounds rather lost throughout this album, hampered by indecisive arrangements and ambling verses.
  8. Slant Magazine
    Apr 24, 2018
    50
    With the exception of “Famous Tracheotomies,” Sheff often struggles to find compelling metaphors on this album.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. parenter
    Apr 30, 2018
    8
    Basically Okkervil River+Saxophone and psychodelic touches. Lyrics might be more simple, but not in a bad way. Love the band.
  2. shoeletariat
    Apr 27, 2019
    8
    This album is Okkervil River doing what they do best, changing lanes and setting a new course. Lyrically it's far more joyful than theirThis album is Okkervil River doing what they do best, changing lanes and setting a new course. Lyrically it's far more joyful than their previous couple of albums. The production and arrangements are immediately appealing, even if some of the songs lack the allegorical kick in the marbles that old Okkervil River songs deliver. I have a feeling this album may feel unapproachable for new listeners to the band (which might explain some of the low reviews), but for long-time fans, especially those who liked "Away" as much as I did, there is more than enough to savor here. In many ways it feels like a sequel to that album, or like an upbeat counterpoint.

    Frankly, this band is simply not recognized enough for their place on the fringes of pop rock, indie, and folk; they constantly borrow formulas from the best of the best but never in a way that sounds trite, and always combining them in dramatic and creative ways. There isn't a single album in their catalogue that doesn't stand out from the others in some way--and if that's not the work of a genius at work, I don't know what is. I imagine history will remember them more fondly than the present. Rock on Will, thanks for all the great tunes.    … Full Review »
  3. Doof
    Jun 5, 2018
    6
    I have a topsy turvy/up and down relationship with Okkervil River, half the time their vocal-centric indie impresses - the rest of the timeI have a topsy turvy/up and down relationship with Okkervil River, half the time their vocal-centric indie impresses - the rest of the time their OTT ways grate. 'Away' saw the band hit a sweet spot and career high in terms of satisfying my own particular sensibilities...sadly 'Rainbow Rain' I find takes a step back into the more meandering and somewhat shapeless warbly fodder I can take or leave. A few above passable tracks is the limit to how highly I can recommend this one.… Full Review »
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