Albums to watch

Total Loss

How to Dress Well

Total Loss

Tom Krell's alter ego makes another outing into the world of ethereal R&B

ADM rating[?]

7.6

Label
Weird World
UK Release date
17/09/2012
US Release date
25/09/2012
  1. 9.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    There is a vibrant sense of hope that pulses within these tracks which ultimately lifts them up and allows these soulful, ultra-modern R’n'B numbers to soar and take flight
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  2. 8.5 |   Beats Per Minute

    An album that ceaselessly overflows with love and a desire to reach out and relate, and it’s this that makes such a heavy album so accessible and so resoundingly good
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  3. 8.4 |   Pitchfork

    Total Loss is similar to the xx's Coexist in retreating to further minimalism and introspection after a groundbreaking debut
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  4. 8.3 |   The AU Review

    A great voice, a unique sound and an intelligence all contribute to the album’s power, making the philosophy behind it all the more impactful
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  5. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    A tender, heartbreaking record
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  6. 8.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Krell peels back the curtain that so heavily smothered Love Remains, letting his own voice carry more of the load. The over-the-top effects are toned down so that sometimes Krell’s lyrics are even discernible
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  7. 8.0 |   Paste Magazine

    On Love Remains, Krell swallowed his pain: Ambience was a coping mechanism, detachment a stylistic trademark. On the poignant and powerful Total Loss, he’s finally invited us all in
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  8. 8.0 |   Uncut

    An intriguing new artist has found his voice. Print edition only

  9. 8.0 |   NME

    Leftfield R&B’s album of the year
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  10. 8.0 |   The Digital Fix

    Deeply haunting, but beautiful nevertheless
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  11. 8.0 |   Clash

    HWTD (sic) has dug himself a neat, little songbird alcove and it’s one only he can reach
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  12. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    There’s a delicacy, a deftness of touch throughout Total Loss that’s wondrous
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  13. 8.0 |   Slant Magazine

    Total Loss owes much of its mysterious appeal to cryptic, pulsing sounds that roil just below the surface, often hinting at something far greater going on closer at its core
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  14. 7.5 |   Bowlegs

    His golden tones soar for the duration, the arrangements cascade in waves of glimmering bliss and the songs reflect on experience, drama and of course a touch of love
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  15. 7.5 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    Total Loss is a striking expression of hope and devotion in the face of, well, a whole lotta loss (the album’s two final tracks are particularly heartbreaking)
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  16. 7.0 |   musicOMH

    Total Loss is tough going because of the emotional intensity of its content
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  17. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    Production-wise, Total Loss is a marked step up in fidelity, with co-production credits for Rodaidh McDonald of The xx
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  18. 7.0 |   All Music

    Considering how divisive Love Remains' intentional sonic flaws were, if listeners can hear How to Dress Well better on Total Loss, then that counts for something
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  19. 7.0 |   Spin

    A beautiful album, all ambient longing and sadness and spectral pop, rising and falling without warning
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  20. 7.0 |   Tone Deaf

    An elegant and poignant ambient pop album, ideal for solitary listening and demonstrating a number of thrilling future directions for Krell
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  21. 7.0 |   DIY

    Krell has produced another gorgeous record that is incredibly open about love and loss
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  22. 7.0 |   BBC

    Second album of lo-fi RnB from Brooklyn boy wonder
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  23. 6.0 |   Q

    Melancholic, romantic and unashamedly emotional, his loss is our gain. Print edition only


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How to Dress Well: Total Loss

  • Download full album for just £5.00
  • 1. When I Was In Trouble £0.89
  • 2. Cold Nites £0.89
  • 3. Say My Name Or Say Whatever £0.89
  • 4. Running Back £0.89
  • 5. & It Was U £0.89
  • 6. World I Need You, Won't Be Without You (Proem) £0.89
  • 7. Struggle £0.89
  • 8. How Many? £0.89
  • 9. Talking To You £0.89
  • 10. Set It Right £0.89
  • 11. Ocean Floor For Everything £0.89
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