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Sand+Silence Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp worked with Justin Vernon on their sixth full-length release.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Aug 7, 2014
    80
    If the Rosebuds always carry a sense of romanticism, it often seems heightened on Sand + Silence.
  2. Aug 7, 2014
    80
    Rosebuds have a smooth, beyond approachable, ear-massaging loveliness, this time honed with a production clarity of near Steely Dan-like proportions, if on an indie level. Instrumentation remains fairly minimal, delicately played and mixed to perfection.
  3. Aug 8, 2014
    80
    Sand + Silence is a record that combines all the best parts of the indie rock song book into a work that definitely equals the sum of its constituent parts.
  4. Aug 6, 2014
    70
    Sand+Silence shows Howard and Crisp are committed to keeping this band alive, and the album confirms they're still an uncommonly smart and talented indie pop band with a great deal to offer.
  5. Oct 30, 2014
    67
    Co-produced by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, Sand+Silence is all forward progress.
  6. Aug 6, 2014
    60
    Given that parts of the album seem intentionally radio-ready, there’s reason to suspect the Rosebuds may have shed their thornier side to win greater acceptance. Happily though, they’re able to dispute that notion with entries that remain unerringly intriguing.
  7. Aug 6, 2014
    51
    The main problem is that the music is so self-conscious, as most of these songs sound like a band still trying to feel its way forward. The quest is noble and even necessary; the results, much less so.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Aug 27, 2014
    7
    Little bittersweet indie pop that little goes with trends in indie pop scene but do not forgets band's history.
    The mood on album is very
    Little bittersweet indie pop that little goes with trends in indie pop scene but do not forgets band's history.
    The mood on album is very interesting. One song will try to bury you alive while next will pull you right to the shine of autumn coloured grasslands and forrests. I must say Rosebuds are little better in that more positive way like when after songs "Sand+silence" and "Give Me a Reason" came song Blue Eyes and Mine Mine. Then in end of album will put you to light-hearted and sweet mood.
    It isn't the most originall album with shocking content but it sounds like a great soundtrack for indian summer ;-) .
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