Boards of Canada: Inferno review – after 13 years away, their prodigal return is a big disappointment
Boards of Canada's new album, Inferno, marks their return after 13 years but has received disappointing reviews. Critics argue that the duo's exploration of religious themes feels superficial and their music lacks the innovation seen in contemporary electronic artists. While some tracks show promise, many are criticized for being dull and uninspired.
- ▪Inferno is the first album from Boards of Canada in 13 years.
- ▪The album's themes of religion are described as dubious and callow.
- ▪Critics note that much of the music is dull and lacks innovation compared to contemporary artists.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Music |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/23/boards-of-canada-inferno-review-after-13-years-away-their-prodigal-return-is-a-big-disappointment |
| Publication time | Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:19 GMT |
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Stuck in the past … Boards of Canada. Photograph: Peter Iain CampbellView image in fullscreenStuck in the past … Boards of Canada. Photograph: Peter Iain CampbellBoards of CanadaReviewBoards of Canada: Inferno review – after 13 years away, their prodigal return is a big disappointment(Warp)The Scottish electronic duo remain hugely influential – but their new album’s interrogation of religion is dubious, and the drum programming is worse stillBen Beaumont-ThomasSat 23 May 2026 01.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 23 May 2026 01.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThis is the first album in 13 years from Boards of Canada, and from the opening notes – an analogue synth rising and falling like a sound effect in a forgotten 1960s radio play – you’re thrust back into one of the most instantly…
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