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In Conflict

Owen Pallett

In Conflict

Fourth full-length from the Canadian violinist who scored the movie Her with frequent collaborators Arcade Fire. Also featuring Brian Eno

ADM rating[?]

7.6

Label
Domino
UK Release date
26/05/2014
US Release date
27/05/2014
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  1. 10.0 |   Time Out

    A beautiful and powerful album, light as a feather in its delivery of complicated musical and lyrical ideas, but packing a punch that’s sharp enough to floor most other records released this year
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  2. 9.1 |   Consequence Of Sound

    In Conflict is ominous, gloomy, and marked with some of the most playful arrangements Pallett’s laid to date
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  3. 9.0 |   All Music

    In Conflict's 13 tracks exist, sonically, somewhere in between the sugary opulence of Kishi Bashi and Jónsi and the chilly refinement of Homogenic-era Björk
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  4. 9.0 |   The Digital Fix

    An extraordinary, beautiful and intense marker of inhibitions shed and intent actualised
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  5. 9.0 |   The Quietus

    In Conflict straddles worlds, not mixing desks - a fully-realised work of art whichever way you look at it
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  6. 8.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    As invigorating as it is soothing, as exciting as it is impressive and as complex as it is accessible
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  7. 8.3 |   A.V. Club

    Pallett has always crafted emotionally rich songs, but he seemed on previous albums to be trying to worm his way into listeners’ heads via inventive cleverness. On In Conflict, he seems much more comfortable taking aim at the gut
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  8. 8.3 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    No matter what developmental turns Pallett makes, his songs could never sound like anyone else’s
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  9. 8.0 |   Paste Magazine

    It took a few listens for In Conflict to really hit, but, like a friendship that grows deeper with time, I can’t imagine not having the album around now
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  10. 8.0 |   Pitchfork

    In Conflict might not be an autobiography the way you or I would write it, but make no mistake: the deeper you look into it, the deeper Pallett himself stares back at you
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  11. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    Hits a perfect art/pop balance
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  12. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Whether he is assisting others or going it alone, it seems that Owen Pallett can do no wrong, and long may it continue
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  13. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Art set loose on pop with its teeth bared
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  14. 8.0 |   Exclaim

    Though less immediate than previous efforts, repeat listens to the darker, subtler In Conflict reveal yet another fascinating entry in Pallett's excellent catalogue
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  15. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Feels starkly personal, wrestling with topics of love and human fallibility. Print edition only

  16. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    Pallett proves that he has both the moxy and the natural aptitude to unite the pop, indie rock and classical worlds without anyone batting an eyelash
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  17. 8.0 |   NME

    Pallett discussing everything from his drug intake to having sex to The Smiths. Compulsive and conflicted
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  18. 8.0 |   Spin

    In Conflict is queer outsider art at its most fraught and compelling
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  19. 7.5 |   Under The Radar

    In Conflict doesn't find Owen Pallett breaking new ground, but that might not matter. He's still bringing his exacting ear to perfect arrangement
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  20. 7.0 |   The Music

    Nothing about In Conflict is easy, nor should it be. This is Pallett’s world, one of ingenuity, flamboyance and verve, and no compromises are necessary
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  21. 7.0 |   Fact

    In Conflict is an impressive record of worthy content, but the day he finds a way to reconcile his musical chops to his pop ear, then Owen Pallett will surely make his masterpiece
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  22. 7.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Ultimately, for all the undeniably impressive technical flair on display here, one is left frequently longing for the texture of unpredictability
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  23. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    A pop treasure that's also a stirring, personal work of art
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  24. 7.0 |   Earbuddy

    Maybe by focusing on one or two aspects of his artistry he would be able to create the true masterpiece that he is surely capable of
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  25. 6.5 |   Crack

    It’s an undeniably strong album. It just isn’t Heartland
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  26. 6.0 |   DIY

    It’s an undeniably strong album, in which existing fans will find much to love. It just isn’t quite ‘Heartland’
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  27. 6.0 |   Mojo

    A little loosening up might help those serotonin levels. Print edition only

  28. 6.0 |   The Observer

    Pallett's choirboy voice placing him somewhere between Arthur Russell and a less hysterical Rufus Wainwright
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  29. 6.0 |   Entertainment.ie

    You get the feeling that the always reliable and eternally reserved Pallett potentially has his best work ahead of him yet, a suspicion confirmed by this collection of electro tinged tracks which showcase a skillful development in sound.
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  30. 6.0 |   No Ripcord

    Despite the running theme, the songwriting lurches from one song to the next, at one point a bit too much to take
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  31. 6.0 |   The Irish Times

    If there’s a problem with the album, it’s in the lyrics, which – virtually to a song – come across as stream-of-consciousness doggerel
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  32. Back to main chart

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Owen Pallett: In Conflict

  • Download full album for just £8.49
  • 1. I Am Not Afraid £0.89
  • 2. In Conflict £0.89
  • 3. On a Path £0.89
  • 4. Song For Five & Six £0.89
  • 5. The Secret Seven £0.89
  • 6. Chorale £0.89
  • 7. The Passions £0.89
  • 8. The Sky Behind the Flag £0.89
  • 9. ---> (1) £0.89
  • 10. The Riverbed £0.89
  • 11. Infernal Fantasy £0.89
  • 12. Soldiers Rock £0.89
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