Varcharz
by Mouse on Mars
  • Record Label: Ipecac
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2006
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Pitchfork
    71
    This is an impressive record in many respects, and its hooks and patterns only emerge after many plays, but it's also an oddly distant one.
  2. Urb
    70
    On Varcharz, Mouse on Mars crank out 11 new tracks that, for better and worse, continue to expand the boundaries of abstract music. [Sep 2006, p.138]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Jagged, fractured, splintered, and downright violent-sounding, it's easily the most extreme music the duo has made.
  5. Almost Cool
    65
    In the end, Varcharz feels like an in-betweener album, where the duo hasn't quite figured out which direction they want to move in next.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    A much more serious, often less danceable, instrumental effort.
  7. Spin
    70
    A masterful blend of electronic genres. [Oct 2006, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Under The Radar
    50
    Two of the last tracks, “Bertney” and especially “Retphase,” end up succeeding where most of the album is lacking in finding the perfect balance between left-field beats and compulsive rhythms. Too bad the rest of the album doesn’t hit the same mark. [#15]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Uncut
    60
    The saturation bombing technique is only partly successful. [Nov 2006, p.123]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. NOW Magazine
    60
    The sheets of noise and absence of hooks hide some interesting ideas if you have the patience to listen for them.
  11. cokemachineglow
    65
    None of the really experimental stuff is so egregious to mar the album; it’s just fairly disposable after one keen listen. On the other hand, the good, funky stuff isn’t quite as good or funky as it has been in the past.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. amcc
    Oct 6, 2006
    8
    I dont see how anyone can make claims that MoM are being to experimental on any album. Saying something like that is nearly contradictive to I dont see how anyone can make claims that MoM are being to experimental on any album. Saying something like that is nearly contradictive to the very being that is MoM. I perhaps like this record better than the last if only for the very fact that it uses much of the same sound and style for its basis but takes it further leftfield.… Full Review »
  2. PaulH
    Oct 2, 2006
    8
    I think they made exactly the record they wanted to, and did a damned good job of it. It is certainly more abstract than their last outing, I think they made exactly the record they wanted to, and did a damned good job of it. It is certainly more abstract than their last outing, but retains their love for beats and song. Ironically, that is what probably got "Radical Connector" accused of being "poppy."… Full Review »
  3. mikes.
    Sep 26, 2006
    5
    Alright, I'm biased as a hardcore mouse on mars fan. However, I'm disappointed with this release. It is a mess, and sounds dated. Alright, I'm biased as a hardcore mouse on mars fan. However, I'm disappointed with this release. It is a mess, and sounds dated. This mouse on mars album was recorded at the same time as their previous album. But its the exact opposite of their last album, not catchy, and way too experimental. Sounds like something that might of been good if it was released in 2000 or 2001, but times have changed, and so has electronic music, mouse on mars you need to evolve ur production skills r weak.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »