3 is the third studio album by Japanese math rock band Tricot. It was released on May 17, 2017, in Japan by the band's own label Bakuretsu Records. The album was released on the same day by Big Scary Monsters Recording Company in the United Kingdom and by Topshelf Records in the United States.
Patrick St. Michel of The Japan Times wrote that 3 showcases Tricot's "ability to strike a balance between complex instrumentation and sudden emotional flourishes." Phil Witmer of Vice opined that "what makes 3 and the rest of Tricot's music transcend the 'experimental' label is a transparent, pop-derived emotional core", while noting 3 to be the band's "heaviest, most challenging album". Chris DeVille of Stereogum described the album's music as "intricate and noodly" but played with "a frantic energy and melodic directness worthy of the Bangles."
AllMusic critic John D. Buchanan found that Tricot, while not innovative, are nonetheless "very good, and in a crowded marketplace they do manage to bring something unique to the table", citing their ability to "infuse their challenging avant-rock with a real pop sensibility".
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.
Tricot
Additional musicians
Production
Design