Meshes of Voice
by Jenny Hval & Susanna
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 29, 2014
    100
    Meshes of Voice is a truly engulfing piece of apodictic expression, and it should be danced, sung, knitted, and talked about, if not because it collapses these categorical distinctions itself so that its blood can run, then because keeping your head still and your voice silent is lying.
  2. Pitchfork
    Aug 21, 2014
    82
    As immersive and deep as the lake around which it revolves, Meshes of Voice adds a new dimension to the output of both its makers.
  3. The Wire
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    It's spiritual chamber music, mythopoetically encrusted, captivating and terrifying at the same time. [Sep 2014, p.55]
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  5. Mojo
    Nov 7, 2014
    80
    Yet another acknowledgement of these two commanding talents. [Nov 2014, p.95]
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  6. Q Magazine
    Oct 3, 2014
    80
    A graceful, beautiful record. [Nov 2014, p.112]
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  7. PopMatters
    Aug 22, 2014
    80
    While both performers have shown themselves to be more than competent solo performers, with Meshes of Voice they show the result of two compelling contemporaries coming together, in the process creating something utterly revelatory and, ultimately, greater than the sum of its respective parts.
  8. The Quietus
    Aug 21, 2014
    80
    At times a song can simultaneously be baroque and noise, harsh and beautiful, and the contradictions aren't evident because their voices are one--but there are also times when the record is triumphant, precisely because they're torn away from one another.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Aug 21, 2014
    80
    Listening to Meshes Of Voice is somewhere between a terrifying hallucination and a relaxing daydream. It makes it a memorable, and strangely enjoyable, experience.
  10. The Guardian
    Aug 21, 2014
    80
    It's a wild,disorientating but exultant experience, using voices, keys, guitar, percussion and electronics to embrace minimalist, quietlyclanging churchbell sounds.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 16, 2014
    70
    A melodic and lyrical versatility runs strongly but the atmosphere created around the words is beyond a mere accompaniment.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. alecvl08
    Nov 19, 2014
    5
    This album just drones on and on to the point where you think it'll never end. I don't know how these critics are able to judge the lyrics ofThis album just drones on and on to the point where you think it'll never end. I don't know how these critics are able to judge the lyrics of the tracks without deep analysis of the recordings, because neither Jenny Hval NOR Susanna have uploaded or released lyrics at all. The atmosphere around the vocals is rather good, however, and it actually creates a great, haunting mood for the album. Some lyrics that I can hear on the album are just plain trying to be weird and eclectic without a real purpose. For instance, when Hval chants "Honey Dew...Honey Dew" like a character in a cheesy horror B-Movie. Sometimes the album does, establish a nice groove or instrumental lick to listen to and makes the album more than a complete failure. This album is definitely not the sonic or lyric masterpiece the critics are calling it. Favorite track to buy: Black Lake… Full Review »
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