Witching Hour
by Ladytron
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Oct 4, 2005
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 81
  3. Negative: 13 out of 81

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  1. EmmaB
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    Ladytron have come into their own with this delicious third helping of synthpop. Like a well oiled machine they slide into gear with the brooding "High Rise" which incorporates guitar and drums into their familiar 'electro' sound. Standout tracks are the shockingly overlooked "Destroy Everything You Touch", "International Dateline" and "Beauty 2". The girls sound angelic and the Ladytron have come into their own with this delicious third helping of synthpop. Like a well oiled machine they slide into gear with the brooding "High Rise" which incorporates guitar and drums into their familiar 'electro' sound. Standout tracks are the shockingly overlooked "Destroy Everything You Touch", "International Dateline" and "Beauty 2". The girls sound angelic and the boys are experts in twisting knobs and pushing buttons. Aural pleasure at it's very finest.… Expand
  2. AndyB
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    Previously, I had found Ladytron to be a fairly disposable electro scene band, and god knows there are enough of them. However, then I heard Witching Hour: the best album released by a British band other then Belle and Sebastian in about ten years. A few people have suggested the last few songs don't meet the standard of the first half of the album, and this is true. However, an Previously, I had found Ladytron to be a fairly disposable electro scene band, and god knows there are enough of them. However, then I heard Witching Hour: the best album released by a British band other then Belle and Sebastian in about ten years. A few people have suggested the last few songs don't meet the standard of the first half of the album, and this is true. However, an overwhelming majority of successful celebrated bands will never in their entire careers produce something as good as International Dateline or Destroy Everything You Touch - Ladytron produce half a album of this quality, and then half an album which is merely very, very, VERY good. This album couldn't be better if it came with free money.… Expand
  3. EdwardH
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    Oh, yes. Yes! In comes the cavalry, in the shape of Ladytron, to save 2005 and make my day. Definitely the best british band of today.
  4. ancag
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    The best album of the year so far! Mindblowing and soul burning.
  5. DemetriM
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    I've been following LADYTRON since I saw the video for "Playgirl" in early 2001. Upon buying 604, I knew that the band was destined for big things with the synth-based '80s sounds that at once mimicked and simultaneously outshined anything ever done by the likes of Depeche Mode, the Human League or Visage. As a collection of early tracks, 604 sparked a musical movement of I've been following LADYTRON since I saw the video for "Playgirl" in early 2001. Upon buying 604, I knew that the band was destined for big things with the synth-based '80s sounds that at once mimicked and simultaneously outshined anything ever done by the likes of Depeche Mode, the Human League or Visage. As a collection of early tracks, 604 sparked a musical movement of '80s-inspired electro-rock that we are still experiencing a la The Killers, Interpol, The Bravery and others. By Fall 2002, we were treated to Light & Magic, a more polished collection of LADYTRON songs that not only avoided the 'sophomore slump' but managed to impress critics worldwide, ending up on Rolling Stone's Top 50 albums of the year. And, honestly, who could resist the cross-over synthetic appeal of tracks like club hit "Seventeen," the '60s pop inspired "Blue Jeans," electro-dance favorite "Evil," and the lush title track? Fast forward to Witching Hour (2005). After switching labels in 2004, the band set out to make a record that incorporated a broader range of influences. If the first two records took cues from Kraftwerk, then Witching Hour takes its leads from the likes of My Bloody Valentine ("Sugar"), New Order ("Destroy Everything You Touch"), Lush ("WhiteLightGenerator"), and the Cocteau Twins ("All The Way"). Let's be clear: This album is not about LADYTRON trying to do its best to rip off anyone else. They take these influences and make them distinctly their own; each track is quintessential LADYTRON. It's a well produced concept album that takes you on a dark, swirling journey from start to finish. Witching Hour is successful in that it displays the breadth of the band's talents, now incorporating guitars and a rougher, edgier sound (think feedback and fuzzy electronic overlays). At once, the band can be political ("Soft Power") without hitting you over the head and can craft the most ominous of dance tracks ("Fighting In Built Up Areas"), sure to be a goth favorite. What works most about the album is that it appears that LADYTRON have finally produced a record that speaks to a wide range of the band members' personal musical influences. Produced by Jim Abbiss (Kasabian, Placebo), Witching Hour will appeal to a broader audience than just the "electroclash" set. Granted, there are tracks that are planted firmly in that camp ("Weekend") but other songs stretch the band to its creative limits, offering us a chance to hear what a proper LADYTRON ballad sounds like ("Beauty*2"), something akin to Depeche Mode at their best. What's refreshing is that all of these seemingly different tracks sound great from start to finish - mostly due to the strong vocals offered by Helen Marnie. She is at her most mature and confident on Witching Hour. And while Mira Aroyo only takes the lead on a couple of tracks ("AMTV" and "Fighting In Built Up Areas"), her performance is solid as well. By the way, Mira also offers up the lead vocals on one of the best LADYTRON Bsides to date, the flipside of "Destroy Everything You Touch" called "Nothing To Hide." Check it out. And, for those people who've been asking about why Track 14 is nothing but dead airtime, well just look at the running time of the album, 60:02. That's almost exactly one hour - a witching hour, if you will. While you make think that's silly or misleading, it's the kind of attention to detail that makes Witching Hour one of the strongest indie-electro-rock records of the decade. Everyone should own this album, in my opinion. And, so far, everyone that I've suggested it to has loved it immensely. Perhaps you will too. This is LADYTRON at their best!!!… Expand
  6. jeremyc
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    These guys have really pulled off an EXCELLENT album. I can't stop listening to it, it requires several listens to really catch on, I think, to the profoundness of this release... it's been playing on my computer, in my car, in my bedroom, and through my head every other point of the day.
  7. LikoS
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    this album owns, I used to hate ladytron...without actually having heard them...but i gave this one a try and it owns! its definitely played at work a lot. drives my co-workers crazy. hahaha.
  8. TimP
    Sep 27, 2006
    10
    A friend of mine made me go to their concert last night when I had never heard of Ladytron before 2 days ago. I downloaded the album from itunes the night before and have been listening to it ever since! It is a darkly sexy, mysterious, noisy and disturbing set of brilliant pop songs. I find myself humming the songs constantly, yet they are not the kinds of songs you would expect to leave A friend of mine made me go to their concert last night when I had never heard of Ladytron before 2 days ago. I downloaded the album from itunes the night before and have been listening to it ever since! It is a darkly sexy, mysterious, noisy and disturbing set of brilliant pop songs. I find myself humming the songs constantly, yet they are not the kinds of songs you would expect to leave that kind of impression. A really unusual but excellent pop treasure.… Expand
  9. PaulH
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    one of the best albums of the year, i was very surprised. I'd always like Ladytron before but now i'm starting to love them.
  10. RobertG
    Oct 15, 2005
    10
    On the previous two albums I though Ladytron had a lot of talent and made really interesting electronic music but their songs had no emotional resonance. Such is not the case on this album, very emotive stuff, dark and times anthemic at others. My favorite album of the year so far.
  11. jasond
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    I don't think i've ever seen this many negative reviews lined up for any album on metacritic. Quite odd considering theres nothing particularly offensive about this album. So now im feeling compelled to rate an album for the first time on here. I only liked ladytron in small doses before due to the same-y nature of their retro Human League-homages. They still had some good tunes I don't think i've ever seen this many negative reviews lined up for any album on metacritic. Quite odd considering theres nothing particularly offensive about this album. So now im feeling compelled to rate an album for the first time on here. I only liked ladytron in small doses before due to the same-y nature of their retro Human League-homages. They still had some good tunes mind you, which is more than I can say for most of their "electroclash" contemporaries. This new one is the most varied and consistent thing they've released. Great record, and perfect fall/winter music.… Expand
  12. jyotirmayad
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    Oh, this CD is their best. It is glorious. I love the textures of the music and the vocals and outasite lyrics. Ladytron rule right now.
  13. EludiumQ36
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    This is probably my favorite Ladytron album. Favorite songs: High Rise, Destroy Everything You Touch, International Dateline, Sugar, Beauty #2, and All the Way. Love their sound, their lyrics, their imagery, and the feeling the music inspires.
  14. Klayton1892
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    The standouts are too numerous to mention, and all in all, Ladytron have set a new peak, getting to the heart of their best previous moments and expanding on them.
  15. xuxapreta
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    Those who have loved Ladytron’s move toward a mix of harsher electro and lighter pop elements will find this a welcome progression, and seemingly a natural one, too.
  16. johnh
    May 27, 2006
    9
    Junior Boys meet Notwist, I like it a lot.
  17. JohnB
    Oct 20, 2005
    9
    Pounding and roaring, the sound of Witching Hour is absolutely immense, and manages to make music with the deliberately robotic and sugary voices of two women seem meaner and 'rock' harder than many so-called rock bands could dream of. The electro-pop base is still there, as are the wonderfully catchy melodies but it's far heavier and darker than before and none the worse Pounding and roaring, the sound of Witching Hour is absolutely immense, and manages to make music with the deliberately robotic and sugary voices of two women seem meaner and 'rock' harder than many so-called rock bands could dream of. The electro-pop base is still there, as are the wonderfully catchy melodies but it's far heavier and darker than before and none the worse for it . As a counterpoint to the heaviness, there's a sprinkling of ballads, the final track in particular is stunning. Whatever styles it may be influenced from, it's a band ahead of time, rather than simply copying the sounds of yesterday.… Expand
  18. StevenB
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    I was surprised. While I liked their previous two albums, this one really stands out. Set aside is the almost to-like use of synth and in place is a band maturing into a definitive sound of a complete unit.
  19. ted
    Oct 7, 2005
    9
    This is a bumpin album, one of this years best!
  20. IvanB
    Feb 20, 2006
    9
    Wonderful
  21. DagmarJ
    Mar 21, 2006
    9
    Really an excellent album. Unfortunately the voting here has been skewed by one nutty fan who is clearly voting repeatedly down. This album is certainly worth a listen.
  22. Keith
    Oct 11, 2005
    9
    Beautiful! Excellent blend of shoegazer, synthpop, and IDM. I guess this is sometimes also referred to as electroclash - whatever the genre, it's an exceptional album. Think Lush meets De/Vision - angelic vocals mixed with driving synth beats and ethereal soundscapes.
  23. LeonardoF
    Dec 11, 2005
    9
    i love the dark/shoegazing mood of this album, the synths sound fantastic too. great album.
  24. JasonT
    Nov 29, 2005
    9
    Great CD from start to finish! One of the best this year.
  25. lebiel
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    Witching Hour is to Ladytron what Gran Turismo was to the Cardigans - the darker, denser, more mature album. Good stuff.
  26. VictorD
    Oct 21, 2006
    9
    Great songs I can't get out of my mind. A referent in electronica. Stays always in my MP3 player.
  27. andyp
    Aug 25, 2006
    9
    Deliciously subversive, slinky, and sexual.
  28. OwenB
    Oct 21, 2005
    8
    very interesting, electroclash is slowly dying and i'm glad ladytron are not sinking with it. this album is a step foward in their sound.
  29. DanB.
    Oct 9, 2005
    8
    I think Ladytron's albums are all uneven, but overall they're good because the filler is pleasant enough background noise, and the good tracks are really good. I think I like this album a bit less than the last but, at the same time, I've been listening to it nonstop for a few days now... so yeah, it's pretty good. :)
  30. JeremyN
    Oct 25, 2006
    8
    In early electro, pop hooks were fundamental (see early John Foxe and Young Marble Giants); in recent its-story, they've been viewed with epicurean distaste, as if the only thing left to do were not to write a convincing chorus. Ladytron (or their producer) now realizes the psychological power of a chiseled nursery hook attached to ineradicably catcy bass keys and droning guitars In early electro, pop hooks were fundamental (see early John Foxe and Young Marble Giants); in recent its-story, they've been viewed with epicurean distaste, as if the only thing left to do were not to write a convincing chorus. Ladytron (or their producer) now realizes the psychological power of a chiseled nursery hook attached to ineradicably catcy bass keys and droning guitars from Lush and Secret Shine, but distilled to relentless 80s pop loops. Shamelessly, the first single references "You Really Got Me"; Ladytron has finally managed to prove how mercilessly intelligent exploitation can be. This is the first album in a new and promising genre: synthsploitation.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Get past Ladytron's aloof exterior and you'll discover bristling guitars that anchor the most pneumatic of beats--and supremely catchy songs that pulse with life. [7 Oct 2005, p.76]
  2. Playlouder
    80
    Where Ladytron's first two albums might have felt to some to be alienating and monochrome, like a shallow bender on champers and very nice drugs, but a shallow bender nonetheless; 'The Witching Hour' is blessed with a far greater palette of sound and sensation, and is as fine a spell as you'll succumb to all year.
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  3. Pitchfork
    83
    The Witching Hour is the most urgent and immediate of their career. The earlier records were sort of toylike and plastic; this not only has a pulse, it has chilled blood in its veins.
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