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CRITIC REVIEWS
100
For a band this far into their lives to be so consumed by the desire to make new and remarkable sounds – and find ways to do it – is just glorious. And so are the sounds. An instant classic.
86
W is NO’s polar opposite in every way, and from its first moments it becomes clear that this doesn’t only break new ground, it could well be among Boris’ masterpieces – and even eclipse them.
80
A dreamy album – and dichotomous partnership —to follow the nightmarish sounds of NO.
80
The fitful bursts of inspiration across their 27th album W easily rank as some of their finest work in many years – and perhaps even their most accessible to newcomers.
80
After the barely relenting heaviosity of June’s No LP, W feels like a peace offering.
80
Three decades and 40-plus albums in, the veteran Japanese trio's sonic footprint continues to sprawl.
80
While listeners might look at the state of things around them and consider that an impossible task, spending time with 'W', their follow-up and companion album, may well convince them that amongst the darkness, there is indeed beauty.
80
"W" is a highly inventive, experiential piece of work, and that is probably the least surprising thing about it. Not for the first time, BORIS are taking a deep trip into the heart of sound.
80
Experimental metallers show their ambient side.
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1y
78
On the minimalist companion to 2020’s NO, the Japanese trio lands a delicate balance of dream pop and drone. It feels like a sanctuary.
75
It’s a 180 from the in-your-face feel of NO, but W ultimately rewards patience.
75
Boris super-fans will continue to experience the breadth of the trio's journey and worship accordingly. People who find that minimalism doesn't push enough air to be stimulating will likely find this to be sonic wallpaper.
70
Nearly spectral in its articulation, this set offers a more elegant, restrained side of Boris than we've ever encountered before.
70
It’s an acceptance of limitations and using those confines to re-examine oneself. Boris come out of W with the same haziness as they entered it. They exit with grace, which is a logical progression after NO’s instinctual revolt.
64
We’re looking at the unfortunate story of an unhatched chicken of drone here.
40
Boris' atmospheric mode has yielded stronger works in the past.
"W" abandons the brutality of the previous "No", indulging in a particularly endearing Dream Pop waltz. This adventure is like a pilgrimage, in search of a peace that is primordial.
In addition to film/television and video game music, Boris is legitimately considered one of the pinnacles of Japanese music alongside Fishmans and Sheena Ringo. The trio, although not very popular, has built up a huge reputation, notably thanks to the multiple American re-releases. The legacy ... read more
A bit of a swing and a miss by Boris on what could've really been good.
Favorite Song: Beyond Good and Evil
Contributions By
Novell_sx, domvic, anztec, ThomYorke2, roberth3108, ant13, OPENblinds, riquitrefe, gbar25, Sam Is Not A CriticBecome a Donor
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Track List
| 1 | I Want to Go to the Side Where You Can Touch… 5:23 | 73 |
| 2 | Icelina 5:18 | 76 |
| 3 | Drowning by Numbers 4:15 | 64 |
| 4 | Invitation 2:55 | 62 |
| 5 | The Fallen 4:30 | 69 |
| 6 | Beyond Good and Evil 3:51 | 71 |
| 7 | Old Projector 4:38 | 65 |
| 8 | You Will Know (Ohayo Version) 9:19 | 69 |
| 9 | Jozan 1:25 | 57 |
Total Length: 41 minutes
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Added on: November 30, 2021