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United Crushers
by
United Crushers Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the Minneapolis-based synthpop duo was produced by Ryan Olson.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The A.V. Club
    Mar 4, 2016
    83
    If United Crushers isn’t exactly optimistic, its vitality suggests that feeling friendless (“Fish On The Griddle”), cast aside (“Lose You”), or trapped on your sucky street corner (“Melting Block”) need not ruin your weekend.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Mar 3, 2016
    80
    Throughout, United Crushers teases with an array of complex stick-work and trickling synths. Everything suggests that Poliça have finally drawn straws and found something to stick with--and they definitely haven’t picked the shortest.
  3. The Guardian
    Mar 3, 2016
    80
    It all adds up to a record that bristles with mournfulness and melodious joy. Older, wiser, but far from jaded.
  4. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 2, 2016
    70
    Despite its heavy subject matter, this record sparkles and whirrs in a way that is very easy to fall in love with.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 10, 2016
    70
    United Crushers can come across as a draining listen, perhaps even an uncomfortable one to those accustomed to their earlier work. It takes a few listens to discern the resolve in Leaneagh’s lyrics, but it’s there.
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 8, 2016
    66
    Poliça is a group with too much collected talent for that; as in life these days, one only waits and hopes the clouds will clear.
  7. The Skinny
    Feb 24, 2016
    40
    More often than not, United Crushers settles into a groove and gets comfy.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. proterospongia
    Mar 6, 2016
    8
    Although United Crushes doesn't have any really strong tracks individually, it is strong as whole. In their third record, Poliça brings to usAlthough United Crushes doesn't have any really strong tracks individually, it is strong as whole. In their third record, Poliça brings to us high quality synthpop, drenched in weirdness.

    Best Tracks: Summer Please; Wedding; Top Coat.    … Expand
  2. jollasapph
    Mar 4, 2016
    6
    In an Interview, Polica stated this album to be about political and social rights issues. In reality, its an album of 12 quite monotonous,In an Interview, Polica stated this album to be about political and social rights issues. In reality, its an album of 12 quite monotonous, indifferent tracks that conjoin to make up a "political statement". The instrumentation carries a very similar in tone throughout the tracks in the album. At many times, they feel distant. As far as the meanings go, they have been manifested in a truly unique sound; it is not too often that synthpop is as political as United Crushers. Something that particularly struck me is something that does not lie in the album itself: the music video for "Wedding". The video is an eerie, yet fantastically delivered through Sesame Street like segments teaching kids to combat police brutality peacefully. I definitely recommend seeing it as it is my favorite Music Video this year so far. The album as a whole though, doesn't carry its political intent as clearly, though.

    Best Tracks: Wedding, Lime Habit, Baby Sucks, Fish on the Girdle    … Expand