This is really cool and something I feel like my wife would be really into. Feels like driving on a warm summer day in a top-down convertible.

What in the actual fuck is that artwork? Reminds me of Black Flags awful one

album art is what a 7th grader thinks is picasso art

^ no one is surprised

^ expect the unexpected

Album Rating: 3.5

Album arts convinced me to make this the first Ben Howard album I'll listen to

i have somehow managed to collect every ben howard record except the debut at some point so im gonna have to jam and convince myself i love it to continue the streak

Same sin. All on vinyl.

I’ve just dipped in and out of this at the min, haven’t given it my full attention whatsoever but it does seem the potential is there for a bloody good album typical of Ben.

Album Rating: 4.5

One of the best of the year so far no doubt

Album cover reminds me of Baldi's Basics

Gonna jam this today, but that album cover is gonna get fixed on my library by some other random pic of him I download from the INTERNET.

Album Rating: 4.5

I know how strange the artwork is, but I like it for some reason. It also took me too long to realize that it spells out the album title. Not sure if it's actually related (probably not), but the "what's with the face" line in the opening track always feels like a wink-and-nod tie in to the artwork.

Think that line has more to do with the mini-strokes Ben has suffered

Album Rating: 4.5

I was thinking about that too (with regards to both that verse and the slant-faced artwork), but I didn't want to make the assertion and be wrong. I'm not sure if he had any actual facial/physical complications from the strokes, I just know he had them.

A combination of the figurative and literal droops plus a bit of a piss take.

Album Rating: 4.5

Also, this is now firmly entrenched as my #2 Ben Howard behind only Noonday Dream.



I can't believe I almost published a 2.5/5 review for this.

Album Rating: 4.0

great summary, it would honestly be a huge shame had it not been just that. will read the review soon, sounds good based on the opening 3 songs

I have to admit I’m struggling to absorb this one. I get fed up with it and stick something else on, bearing in mind Noonday Dream is one of my greatest albums of all time I’m a bit worried

Album Rating: 4.5

@StormChaser:



My summary for the 2.5/5 review was just "It Isn't", so that was the easiest part to change ;-)



Lots of people are saying this is one of Howard's most immediately appreciable releases, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to come around.



Let us know what you think! If you've already gotten through Days of Lantana, that's one of the best here. The others IMO are Richmond Avenue and Little Plant, but in typical Ben Howard fashion, the whole atmosphere ties together very nicely and every song plays a part.

Album Rating: 4.5

@Zakalwe:



Your experience is similar to mine, then. I hope it grows on you like it did for me. Like I mentioned earlier in this thread somewhere, I got the promo for this and after a week's time still disliked it. I couldn't wrap my head around the electronic/glitchy style and emphasis on production. I flat out hated Walking Backwards, which I likened to an iPhone commercial in my unpublished 2.5 initial take. It's still not my favorite song here, but the overall atmosphere/vibe here slowly won me over. Feels very much like a lazy summer morning album --- almost like a cooler reflection to Noonday Dream's dry, dusty afternoon heat.