Albums to watch

Boys and Diamonds

Rainbow Arabia

Boys and Diamonds

Debut full-length album from LA-based world music-influenced electronic duo

ADM rating[?]

5.7

Label
Kompakt
UK Release date
28/02/2011
US Release date
01/03/2011
  1. 8.0 |   All Music

    Sometimes befuddling but never boring, Rainbow Arabia is making music that ultimately sounds like no one else's
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  2. 7.0 |   PopMatters

    Great thumping melodies, intriguingly mad vocals and moments of beauty
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  3. 7.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    An incredible set of ideas, even if they’re not quite fully formed
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  4. 7.0 |   DIY

    They have evolved into an act that has smoothed the sounds of the world into an album that sparkles in just the right light
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  5. 7.0 |   musicOMH

    There's little not to like about this debut album, which never relents in its quest for the perfect balance between catchiness and experimentalism
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  6. 6.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Rainbow Arabia have made an album that feels like a tropical party at sunset, which more often than not ditches the club for the postcard picture-perfect golden sands
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  7. 6.0 |   PopMatters

    An album that has a lot of ideas; perhaps more than what makes up a coherent pop record
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  8. 6.0 |   BBC

    The overriding impression of Boys and Diamonds is of MIA’s global smash-and-grab style of musicianship minus the bonding agent of an overarching personality
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  9. 6.0 |   Q

    Print edition only

  10. 5.5 |   Bowlegs

    Has definite groovability and points of real interest, with an earnest search for true individuality that you have to respect. More refinement and Rainbow Arabia could be truly galacti
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  11. 4.9 |   Pitchfork

    The songwriting is ultimately too blocky and dull and slapped together for it to succeed as the thing it most wants to be-- a pop record
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  12. 4.0 |   Uncut

    The tunes can be slight. Print edition only

  13. 3.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Desperately in need of inspiration
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  14. 3.0 |   Tiny Mix Tapes

    Rainbow Arabia might be good to dance to, but sunning oneself below its fluorescent glow isn't going to sow the seeds of "new culture" in you
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Rainbow Arabia: Boys and Diamonds

  • Download full album for just £7.99
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