Endless Arcade might be an album of recalibration and evolution, but it’s also one that more than holds its own against the lofty peaks scaled earlier in their career.
It would be foolish to wish away what we have — Endless Arcade exists, and it's excellent, with enchanting melodies, emotional depth and a few unexpected evolutions.
Endless Arcade represents the biggest demand on their followers the band have made for some time, with pensive contemplation underpinning an eclectic, experimental set of songs.
Endless Arcade is a lovely album, one of Teenage Fanclub’s best. It also shows they have survived Gerard Love’s departure.
Endless Arcade dwells on the end of love, as hymned on multiple TFC albums; on stoicism in the face of this emotional catastrophe, or – on Raymond McGinley’s songs – our tiny place in the cosmos and the importance of eking joy out of everything.
A searching, typically heart-warming record about middle-aged men somewhat adrift, yet ultimately anchored to people and place, Endless Arcade testifies to the Fannies’ endurance.
On Endless Arcade, Teenage Fanclub sound refreshed, renewed and remarkably like themselves.
If anything, their legacy is as glittering as that of their influences, and Endless Arcade represents another wholesome addition to a steadfast catalogue that oozes quality from the word go.
Endless Arcade still ends up being an overall enjoyable addition to the band’s catalog, even if the absence of one of their founders can be felt.
While Endless Arcade may not quite match the standard of consistency Teenage Fanclub is known for, it’s an excellent reminder of just how much songwriting talent has called this band home for the past three decades.
There’s a thick patina of wistfulness throughout Endless Arcade that can drag it down when compared against the recent discography, but there’s enough sweetness to each bite to draw you in and want to stay awhile once more.
Endless Arcade is a quiet record that helps reaffirm Teenage Fanclub’s enduring appeal: their songs can help dull the pain. And pain there is.
The biggest problem here is that Endless Arcade sounds like it was recorded by someone standing in the next room using a Dictaphone.
they should be punished severely for that seven minute opener. look, we know what to expect and they deliver. it's not terrible, but it's nowhere near their best. maybe it's time to call it a day.
1 | Home 7:03 | |
2 | Endless Arcade 3:26 | |
3 | Warm Embrace 2:07 | |
4 | Everything Is Falling Apart 4:28 | |
5 | The Sun Won’t Shine On Me 2:39 | |
6 | Come With Me 3:27 | |
7 | In Our Dreams 4:15 | |
8 | I’m More Inclined 3:21 | |
9 | Back In the Day 3:49 | |
10 | The Future 3:06 | |
11 | Living With You 2:55 | |
12 | Silent Song 3:48 |