Album Rating: 4.0

sounds about similar to Songs of Faith and Devotion, save for the no classics part. I do think any of Ghosts Again, Never Let me Go and Speak to Me could end up in the top 30 after some time has passed tho

Album Rating: 3.0

As someone who's jumping straight from Playing The Angel (skipped everything in-between) I'm pretty satisfied with this, despite thinking Angel is one of their best efforts. Nice.



I agree that it doesn't seem littered with standout moments thus far, but it makes up for that with consistency. I can sense that there's maybe some growers in here.

Album Rating: 3.0

"sounds about similar to Songs of Faith and Devotion"



Really? Each to their own I suppose but to me this is no SOFAD.

Album Rating: 4.0

nah, should've said DoofDoof's comment made it sound like SOFAD, but that being said I do find quite a bit of similarities with that album, at least as far as consistency goes. I don't find most DM albums very consistent and this one and SOFAD definitely are

Album Rating: 3.0

SOFAD is my least fave album of that 'classic' run by far, in fact I even prefer Some Great Reward over it.

Album Rating: 3.0

"that being said I do find quite a bit of similarities with that album, at least as far as consistency goes"



Yeah this doesn't hit me at all like SOFAD, like that's their most raw, rock and roll album by far. You can sense the loathing and excess on it; all the motifs are big and muscular. On this I even hear Yazoo touches like Gore is channeling Clarke or something, or even nods to Joy Division. The darker stuff leans more into their 80's sinister vibe; I feel they want to evoke that classic 80's synth era but update it. Admirable I guess.

Album Rating: 4.0

I have to admit, this just scratches a certain itch for me. It carries forward many of the bands dark, introspective, and existential themes while presenting them in a mature and refined way. I think it’s a kind of album I’ve hoped they’d make for a long time.

It's only 12:25am here I am just going to play this start to finish. I need to hear it, enough horns and games and grabs.

Wait Caroline's Monkey is one of the worst? I love the vibe. The lyrics are very repetitive ok they changed slightly but the backdrop is fun. I want dark af songs too, but that was a nice one.

Before we Drown is already better, but still. eh

This is pretty solid so far.

Caroline's Monkey is saved by the chorus imo. The one I can't seem to not call a stinker is Wagging Tongue for now. Maybe it's just because it fits between Cosmos and Ghosts about as well as an f bomb in church. Rest is all growing

Album Rating: 4.0

If Wagging Tongue is the worst song here and that's a solid 3.5 sort of tune then this can't be half bad

Album Rating: 3.0

Wagging Tongue does suffer from placing issues, but not a bad song or anything. The two either side of it are strong for sure.



I'm yet to be convinced by Caroline.

Album Rating: 4.0

Go on then, ranked/rated after about eight listens:



1. Speak to Me [5/5]

2. My Cosmos is Mine [4.5/5]

3. My Favourite Stranger [4.5/5]

4. Never Let Me Go [4.5/5]

5. Before We Drown [4/5]

6. Ghosts Again [4/5]

7. Soul With Me [4/5]

8. Always You [4/5]

9. People Are Good [4/5]

10. Don't Say You Love Me [3.5/5] (possibly this and People could switch, not majorly into this)

11. Wagging Tongue [3.5/5]

12. Caroline's Monkey [3.5/5] (still pretty good tbh)

Nice, I've yet to fully unlock Speak to Me but I say it in a good way. I should try it on its own before waiting for the album to end again.

Same for My Favourite Stranger. I can't remember it right now, but I know it's one I liked quite a bit through the last listen.

All good signs for the album's life, I think

This is finding its place.
My favourite stranger was played on the radio yesterday as I was driving and it blew me bollocks off.

Album Rating: 4.5

Inspired by Doof’s effort.



1. Never Let Me Go

2. Don’t Say You Love Me

3. Speak To Me

4. Before We Drown

5. My Cosmos Is Mine

6. Ghosts Again

7. Always You

8. Soul With Me

9. My Favourite Stranger

10. Wagging Tongue

11. People Are Good

12. Caroline’s Monkey



Seriously loving this album. Easy highlight of the year so far.

Album Rating: 4.0

doofs is pretty close to mine except id bump never let me go up to top 3 and raise dont say you love me a few places

Album Rating: 4.0

This record fucking smacks! What a great comeback!