Entertainment Weekly - "...the focus is on pop hooks and Cerys Matthews' charismatic croak....with blessed results..." - Rating: B+ CMJ - "...An accomplished piece of swaggering, sweet-and-sour alt-rock...ranging in tone from cotton candy balladry to Weill-inspired torch songs..." Alternative Press - 3 out of 5 - "...the record sounds good, Cerys' sexy and sassy demeanor remains intriguing...and the pop is as catchy as it comes..." Rolling Stone - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...The band masters the art of the perfect hook....Still, [Cerys] Matthews' formidable voice steals the show. Alternately spooky and radiant, she sounds like the drunk, unwanted daughter of Marianne Faithfull..."

Rovi

Equally Cursed and Blessed is another breath of fresh pop air from Catatonia. Cerys Matthews' distinctive vocal roars and whispers are in full force throughout these tracks, and the blend of songs on this release surpasses all of Catatonia's prior collections. The first single, the weeping "Dead From the Waist Down" features a full string section, and the magnificent "Karaoke Queen" is backed by a disco beat and razor-sharp guitar hooks. Pure pop like "She's a Millionaire" helps color the album on the brighter side, while the dark, brooding "Bulimic Beats" adds depth. Closing the album is the excellent "Dazed, Beautiful, and Bruised" where Matthews sends off an abusive former lover. Equally Cursed and Blessed could easily be Catatonia's chance to break into the United States, because with music like this, you simply can't go wrong. ~ Jason Damas|

Rovi