DIY Magazine's Scores

  • Music
For 3,422 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 55% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 41% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.9 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Superbloom
Lowest review score: 20 Let It Reign
Score distribution:
3422 music reviews
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The liberal use of string sections throughout do teeter on the brink of out-and-out cheese but Cowley's trio have enough class and, dare I say, verve to pull through.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sees The Light is a decent solo effort, but for the casual observer it might be worth saving your currency for the next Vivian Girls record.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is an astonishingly good album, and the fact that it's a debut makes its stylistic and thematic consistency, as well as suave swagger, all the more to be recommended.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Its title track, 'The Capitol' and 'Fenix' are all pleasant enough but lack any real dynamic and verge on the point of becoming fillers. Those are only minor niggles for an accomplished album though.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the album is laced with enough venom to keep existing fans happy, we defy anyone not to stamp their feet and fist pump come track nine 'I Don't Wanna'.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A reminder of the echoing, scatter-brain drumming trips of the good old days.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Most definitely one of the best albums of the year so far.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The inevitable result is a crisper, more polished sound.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Shape Of Things is another compelling collection of clever electronic pop.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There is one very commendable thing about 'No Gods' that cannot be said of many of the revival bands of the moment though – Sharks seem almost entirely free from pretension; for that reason alone the album will garner respect and stand the test of time with punk fans.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    'Between The Times & Tides' is a beacon of craftsmanship and invention coated in [a] marvellously empathetic collection of pop tunes.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mixed Emotions' has a track for every mood without ever sounding in the least bit forced or contrived... Finger clicking good.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This is a fine piece of synthpop that is a good addition to the collection of any fan of this genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Featuring some fairly rudimentary drumming, and predictable solos, this is the musical equivalent of 'painting-by-numbers'.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An album of shifting, shimmering textures that is both a spaced out exploration and the perfect pop album.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kiwanuka's approach may be old fashioned but his is a sound full of warmth and subtlety.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Complex, and replete with glitches, slow beats and breakdowns, In A Dim Light is as captivating as 'Condors', yet with an evident sense of renewed direction and focused calm and quietude.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Zoo
    It's punk rock by the numbers.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A rare collection of songs that succeeds in both evoking the ethereal and forcing you to reach for the volume button.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is pop music at its wittiest and most concise, yet for all its maturity and refinement, it's hard to believe that an album so youthful could be made by a group of forty-somethings.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Delicate duets, bluegrass string strumming and some of the most genuinely emotive lyrics you'll hear all year combine to produce an album of rare and beautiful quality.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mouse On Mars are returning in triumphant and rapturous fashion, both sealing their reputation as relentless innovators while basking in the glory as beacons of inspiration.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This is a good start but, after losing half of their line up, you get the feeling Jonquil need to add a bit more character, and a bit more bite, into their new pop noise.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Where Asher Roth left house-party hip hop (or just got a little high and wandered off) Chiddy Bang pick it up but bring a whole new focus, a pop-sensibility and a very nuanced delivery.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise Ye Sunken Ships is a monster of an album, rich in credibility and one that is often raucous, but never noisy.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Ex Lives just sounds like a band going through the motions.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Their third album feels singular, apart from its predecessors in spirit, for better and worse.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Much like a pungent stilton, this is difficult prospect to recommend or advise against, especially if this is your first experience of Xiu Xiu. Dip your toe in the water, though, and there are bits to love.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    They promised a great leap forward, and this isn't it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the most part he minimally relies on keys and strings, but the effect creates a much more powerful setting and as a result, it's difficult not to be dragged into it.