Stranger Things
by Yuck
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2016
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Mar 1, 2016
    82
    Yuck is a testament to the idea that music doesn’t need to be incredibly innovative to be original. They’re playing by the rules of catchy rock choruses as handed down by some of the more acclaimed ‘90s bands, but their confidence allows it all to sound like their own.
  2. Magnet
    Mar 30, 2016
    80
    No, the London band is never going to be called innovative, but the gusto with which it approaches those naked influences of Dinosaur Jr, Pavement and Sonic Youth--and the craftsmanship with which it does so--cracks through our cynical shells. [No. 129, p.61]
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  3. The 405
    Feb 29, 2016
    80
    Unlike its predecessor, the new album is expressed with a confident ease rather than pent up frustration.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    Though the London band don’t exactly attack in a fist-raised blaze of mega-riffs, they hit hard all the same with quick, sharp, and consistently executed blows of effortless songwriting.
  6. Spin
    Apr 1, 2016
    70
    This third batch has something to prove, and Bloom makes the most of it, stutter-riffing his best Toadies impression on “Hearts in Motion” and sneaking the timeless gorgeousness of Sebadoh’s “Too Pure” into “Down.”
  7. Uncut
    Feb 29, 2016
    70
    If their third album doesn't exactly do anything new in the field, it is undoubtedly well observed. [Apr 2016, p.82]
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  8. AllMusic
    Feb 29, 2016
    70
    After Glow & Behold, the only thing Yuck seemed ready to do was break up and get day jobs; Stranger Things shows they weren't quite ready for that as it vaults them back into the noise pop/shoegaze conversation, where they seem poised to stay for a good long while.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Feb 24, 2016
    70
    Ultimately, Stranger Things sounds more like a band that are more comfortable with what they are doing.
  10. Under The Radar
    Mar 1, 2016
    65
    For better or for worse, Yuck no longer sounds like a band trying too hard to eclipse its own past.
  11. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 25, 2016
    65
    This album is a far cry from the 90’s American college-radio rock of their Blumberg-indebted debut, but, for a seemingly make or break record, Stranger Things just doesn’t really take enough risks.

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User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Cassettiquette
    Dec 28, 2016
    3
    In 2011, this band hit the ground running with their self-titled debut album and were hailed by many as geniuses with their blending ofIn 2011, this band hit the ground running with their self-titled debut album and were hailed by many as geniuses with their blending of beloved 90's alternative rock band sounds such as Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Pavement, and many others. The band simply could do no wrong until founder and lead vocalist Daniel Blumberg left the band in April of 2013, leaving Max Bloom to take charge of the band. In September of that year the band released their follow-up album Glow and Behold to mixed reviews. I, personally, liked the album. It was a sweet and shoegazy retreat from their first album that softened their rough sound brought on by their first album, a characteristic many listeners found undesirable. The album was less sing-a-long and the change in vocalists, for many, was too much to endure.

    I was surprised to hear the band was working on another album earlier this year. And when I heard that they were recording it in the basement of Max Bloom's parents I became even more intrigued considering that is where they recorded their self-titled debut album. Perhaps the band was trying to regroup and get back to basics? Unfortunately, this record appears to be an even further departure than Glow and Behold was to what made listeners fall in love with them. Some of these songs are such obvious attempts to recapture the success of their first album that it's depressing. The title track "Stranger Things" appears to be a Blumberg ripoff lyrically and musically, making for a tragic experience for any listeners remaining that believed this band could find a way without Daniel Blumberg.

    One of the high points of the album was finally getting to hear bassist Mariko Doi make her debut on lead vocals on the track "As I Walk Away." It's a beautiful song until Max Bloom unexpectedly crashes in on the track with his out of place vocals and completely ruins the song. Bloom's vocals, time and time again, prove as a distraction from whatever successes this album could potentially display. This album has shown the band has truly fallen from whatever grace that was given to them when recording their first album. The only think this album succeeds in is showing the band's blatant attempts to imitate acts such as Superchunk, Teenage Fanclub and other artists more deserving of attention. Perhaps saddest of all, this album is the band trying to imitate itself.

    More reviews at www.cassettiquette.net    … Full Review »
  2. mgkelly
    Aug 21, 2016
    8
    Saw this band live a few years ago at a festival - Electric Picnic - in Ireland. They were very cool indeed. Also impressed with their firstSaw this band live a few years ago at a festival - Electric Picnic - in Ireland. They were very cool indeed. Also impressed with their first album. Great listening. Subsequently, heard this album and again, very impressed. Much better than the reviews on here, in my opinion. Lovely mix of a little touch of post-punk, mixed in with a wee bit of grunge and a large dollop of Dinosaur Jr slacker cool.
    For me, the highlight is perhaps the song Cannonball that bombs along at a really rapid pace. Latter half of the album is a wee bit more refined, but I wouldn't like them to become too 'clean'. Just the right side of too smooth /clean.
    If you like Dinosaur Jr or Sonic Youth, you'll love this.    … Full Review »
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