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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Flock
by Bell X1
The third album from the Irish band, which previously included Damien Rice.
| LABEL: |
Yep Roc |
| RELEASE DATE: |
19 February 2008 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Rock, Indie |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
90
Dot Music
With Flock, their third album but only the second to get a British release, Ireland's Bell X1 have unearthed the missing musical link - and it's marvellous.
90
PopMatters
Bell X1 has set its aim high, the sky’s the limit, and Flock is right on target.
80
Filter
Think Damien Rice fronting Coldplay minus the unabashed bombast--and reveal a future of nothing but promise.
80
musicOMH.com
Flock is a massive step forward musically. Paul Noonan's superb lyrics now have some powerful musical backing, throwing in all kinds of references from disco to funk and good old-fashioned rock.
80
Sputnikmusic
Lyrically, too, the album excels.
80
All Music Guide
Bell X1 don't fit comfortably into any of the pigeonholes of modern indie rock: more down to earth than Radiohead; more fun-loving than Coldplay; and too sophisticated to be lumped in with Franz Ferdinand. Bell X1 occupy a niche all of their own, and long may it continue.
80
Paste Magazine
The rest of Flock, originally released in Ireland in 2006, shows a depth of musicality and imagination too great to serve simply as a sonic backdrop for the tired angst of southern California rich kids.
70
Slant Magazine
Beyond their catchy pop arrangements and well-composed melodies, the songs on Flock are just a good deal meatier and more likable than those of, say, Starsailor.
70
Boston Globe
Noonan's lyrics can be cheeky or sweet, and that nicely offsets the sense of yearning and wanderlust. The latter part of the disc dissolves into too many atmospheric textures and loses focus, yet this doesn't obscure the band's musicality and charm.
70
Under The Radar
While nothing on Flock will blow the listener away with its originality, there is something about the music that draws you in and captivates. [Winter 2008, p.80]
70
Billboard
Its debut U.S. set showcases its accessible modern rock and frontman Paul Noonan's ambitious lyrics.
70
Amazon.com
For a group with one of the most unmemorable band names ever, it's funny that it's their way with words that elevates them from wannabe status.
70
Spin
The US debut of Damien Rice's former band turns sentimental mush into something palatable. [Mar 2008, p.97]
63
The Phoenix
On occasion, Noonan sets his sights on highbrow quarry, as in 'Reacharound,' which could pass for some unreleased Radiohead circa The Bends. But he’s at his best when he’s emphasizing accessibility over artiness.
40
NOW Magazine
Hopefully, Canadian audiences won’t be fooled by the British hype, because Bell X1 don’t have what it takes to win over the Great White North.
22
Pitchfork
Bell X1 generically compartmentalize everything instead and end up with a record that doesn't even top the work of their former bandmate.
The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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