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Orc
by
Orc Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

  • Summary: The John Dwyer-led band shortens its name from Thee Oh Sees to just Oh Sees for its 19th full-length studio release.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Paste Magazine
    Aug 23, 2017
    95
    The record is an absolutely evil stunner from front to back, top to bottom, head to toes and everywhere in between, and whips up the same kind of radiant, strange awe that the band’s overdriven catalog has so generously perpetrated album after wicked album.
  2. Magnet
    Sep 18, 2017
    85
    Orc is a continuation of the careening energy and creativity that has defined the most recent handful of Oh Sees' record, making it one of the most beastly in the bunch. [No. 146, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 18, 2017
    80
    Despite all of the quixotic ups and downs in the tunes the album never loses its sense of purpose or momentum.
  4. Mojo
    Aug 18, 2017
    80
    Dwyer's crew are oft-cited as the world's most exciting live rock band; they're also making some of its most exciting rock records. [Sep 2017, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 25, 2017
    80
    Orc is another classic Oh Sees album that shows no signs of wear and tear anyplace in the operation.
  6. Pitchfork
    Aug 23, 2017
    74
    Oh Sees prove that aforementioned Afro-funk excursion is no random one-off experiment, but a reliable rhythmic foundation that can fuse seamlessly with their signature garage-psych sound.
  7. Under The Radar
    Aug 18, 2017
    20
    More recycled Roky Erickson-isms and smoky garage-rock riffs pollute the ears along with the most odious proggy lyrics this side of Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. [Jul - Sep 2017, p.35]

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. wowee
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    THEE OH SEES or OH SEES or whatever they call themselves or whatever line up behind John Dwyer........... This band is phenomenal andTHEE OH SEES or OH SEES or whatever they call themselves or whatever line up behind John Dwyer........... This band is phenomenal and they're probably the best authentic representation of the underground garage music.… Expand
  2. zmxsp
    Sep 1, 2017
    10
    Great album. Fuzzy, funky, fun. Great listen beginning to end. First thing I've heard from Oh Sees and now I'll be looking for more. Often IGreat album. Fuzzy, funky, fun. Great listen beginning to end. First thing I've heard from Oh Sees and now I'll be looking for more. Often I find garage rock bands too noisy and borderline nauseating, but they nailed it with this album.… Expand
  4. Famloid
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Unbelievably good, straight off the bat The Static God hits different. Favourite track probably Animated Violence, it’s a great album overall.
  5. jakfromrva
    Aug 30, 2018
    8
    Best Oh Sees album. Killer tracks everywhere. Sweet drum solo on the last track. Rocks harder than any of their other albums. Earworm melodiesBest Oh Sees album. Killer tracks everywhere. Sweet drum solo on the last track. Rocks harder than any of their other albums. Earworm melodies and great guitar playing and drumming… Expand
  6. guitarmaniac004
    Oct 21, 2017
    8
    Love the drums on this album. Definitely a runner for my favorite album of the year. Haven't heard an album that made me rock out as much asLove the drums on this album. Definitely a runner for my favorite album of the year. Haven't heard an album that made me rock out as much as this one in a long time.… Expand
  7. jdalton13
    Oct 17, 2017
    8
    Invigorating and refreshing to hear in an industry dominated by poorly-written dancehall and R&B. Oh Sees bring a very raw energy and style toInvigorating and refreshing to hear in an industry dominated by poorly-written dancehall and R&B. Oh Sees bring a very raw energy and style to each track. I can almost guarantee you that by the time you finish listening, one of the melodies from the album will be stuck in your head.… Expand
  8. currer_bell
    Dec 12, 2018
    6
    Gotta admit, I bough the album just for the amazing cover art. The music itself left me wanting more... songs are kinda half-baked. There isGotta admit, I bough the album just for the amazing cover art. The music itself left me wanting more... songs are kinda half-baked. There is just a couple of true great tracks, like Animated violence and Keys to the Castle. There is also songs I just can't stand and automatically skip, like Static God and Cooling tower. Overall it's a fine listening, but pretty average album I think...… Expand

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