- Record Label: Better Looking
- Release Date: Apr 24, 2007
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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MojoFull of regret, hard-won wisdom and DIY pop artistry, No Need To Be Downhearted transcends bog-standard indie to build a world of sophisticated melody and ingenious arrangements. [May 2007, p.112]
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For the most part "No Need To Be Downhearted" is a gorgeous record - big music full of small touches.
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Tom and Alex White prove to be consummate pop musicians on this release, carefully arranging an arresting collection of songs that carry you from track to track and hook to hook with skill.
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Q MagazineThey appear to have found their level: one of rock's best-kept secrets. [May 2007, p.124]
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They've given up some of the whimsy and trippiness that marked their first two releases, but they've gained direction.
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UncutSurprisingly invigorated. [May 2007, p.89]
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The songs are lively and well put together, but sometimes they could be a little more fun.
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It’s hard to imagine a few stellar tracks and a well-flowing album being taken as a negative, but the result just isn’t enough to make these lads stick out.
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While the music is all over the place the vocals feel pinned down and flat.
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Under The RadarWhile they prove themselves exceptionally adept at juggling mutiple song dynamics, the melodies and sentiments expressed are surprisingly commonplace. [Summer 2007, p.79]
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When it strays from charmingly retro to willfully 'raw' it all goes wrong.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 5 out of 6
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Mixed: 0 out of 6
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Negative: 1 out of 6
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BigSurMay 4, 2007
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SimonMay 4, 2007
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JakubMMay 4, 2007It's amazing. Definitely their best record yet. Just sit and listen!!!