Praxis Makes Perfect

Neon Neon - Praxis Makes Perfect
Critic Score
Based on 18 reviews
2013 Ratings: #526 / 1115
User Score
Based on 17 ratings
April 30, 2013 / Release Date
LP / Format
Lex / Label
Synthpop / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

80
Drowned in Sound

Praxis Makes Perfect only suffers in comparison to its predecessor in that it lacks a clear standout track in the same vein as Stainless Style’s ‘I Told Her On Alderaan’, but it works better as a cohesive record, dipping you into a strange mix of left-wing politics and cheery synth pop.

80
DIY

Concept albums only work if the tracks can stand on their own, and ‘Praxis Makes Perfect’ achieves this with consummate ease. 

80
FACT Magazine

There is bound to be a big audience of discerning experimental indie fans who will love the subject matter.

80
Under the Radar

The appeal of the album lies in its musicianship and perfect production. Synths and drum machines create a panic-laden sci-fi landscape; meanwhile, acoustic guitars slip deftly in and out of the songs. 

80
AllMusic

Once again, Rhys and Hollon bring their very special brand of wit and creativity to the concept album, and it only whets the appetite to see which historical figure will get the Neon Neon treatment next.

75
The 405

Rhys is able to write almost any kind of song he likes at this stage, but when stripped back to their bare bones, the 10 songs which make up the latest Neon Neon venture identify as great pop songs.

70
NME

It doesn't hit the peaks of 'Stainless Style', but is still a record worth investing time in.

70
musicOMH

The formula clearly wasn’t broken, so it hasn’t been fixed.

70
Pitchfork

Praxis Makes Perfect's songs never quite hit the highs of its predecessor's best tracks, but it's a more coherent album, and still strangely rewarding in its own way. It's just impossible to separate from its subject.

58
A.V. Club

Praxis Makes Perfect is an uneven mix of gleaming ’80s homages and tunes burdened by their own ambition.

40
PopMatters

The album is missing that quintessential “something”, their lyrics more pointed yet somehow less focused, their journey meandering, their use of narration forcing the concept upon the listener instead of letting it happen naturally.

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Track List

  1. Praxis Makes Perfect
  2. The Jaguar
  3. Dr. Zhivago
  4. Hoops With Fidel
  5. Hammer & Sickle
  6. Shopping (I Like To)
  7. Mid Century Modern Nightmare
  8. The Leopard
  9. Listen to the Rainbow
  10. Ciao Feltrinelli

Year End Lists

#32/Obscure Sound
#41/Q Magazine
#78/Under the Radar
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Added on: April 23, 2013