''By Default'' is the fourth
studio album
An album is a collection of audio recordings (e.g., music) issued on a medium such as compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl (record), audio tape (like 8-track cartridge, 8-track or Cassette tape, cassette), or digital distribution, dig ...
by British
rock
Rock most often refers to:
* Rock (geology), a naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids
* Rock music, a genre of popular music
Rock or Rocks may also refer to:
Places United Kingdom
* Rock, Caerphilly, a location in Wale ...
band
Band of Skulls
Band of Skulls are an English rock band from Southampton, fronted by Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals). Emma Richardson ( bass, vocals; 2002–2021) and Matt Hayward (drums; 2002–2016) were previously members. The group formed after meeting i ...
, released on 27 May 2016 through
BMG as the band's first release by a major label. The album was the last album to feature drummer Matt Hayward before his departure in 2017.
Reception
''By Default'' has received mixed to negative reviews from critics with many criticising the album of being forgettable and lacking excitement. ''
Drowned in Sound'' were especially critical of the album's lyrics, which were described as "misogynistic" and making "fuck all sense".
However, in a positive review, ''
Classic Rock Magazine
''Classic Rock'' is a British magazine and website dedicated to rock music, owned and published by Future. It was launched in October 1998 and is based in London. The magazine publishes 13 editions a year, mainly covering rock bands from the 196 ...
'' praised the album's use of synthesizers and wide variety of influences including
Iggy Pop
James Newell Osterberg Jr. (born April 21, 1947), known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor and radio broadcaster. He was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band the Stooges, who were formed in 1 ...
and
T Rex.
Track listing
Personnel
* Russell Marsden – vocals, guitar
* Emma Richardson – bass guitar, vocals
* Matt Hayward – drums
*
Tom Coyne –
mastering
*
Gil Norton
Gil Norton (born in Liverpool) is an English record producer known for his work with alternative rock bands such as Pixies, Echo & the Bunnymen, Foo Fighters, Tribe, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, Feeder, the Distillers, Maxïm ...
–
production,
mixing
Charts
References
{{Authority control
2016 albums
Band of Skulls albums
Dance-rock albums
Albums recorded at Rockfield Studios