A Black Mile to the Surface
Manchester Orchestra · 2017
49 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A haunting exploration of personal and collective grief woven through atmospheric indie rock landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Maze Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Gold — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and juxtaposition of hope against despair, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
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Lead, SD — With its reflective lyrics and evolving instrumentation, this song captures the essence of searching for personal truth amid chaos.
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The Moth — Featuring a poignant narrative about loss and resilience, this track highlights the band's ability to convey complex emotions through rich imagery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's atmospheric depth and thematic connections enhance its appeal over multiple listens.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a slow build with layered instrumentation, gradually adding elements that create a dense atmosphere.
- Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, such as 'The Gold,' which transitions from quiet verses to an explosive chorus.
- The album employs recurring motifs and lyrical themes that connect the songs, particularly around concepts of loss and introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
- introspective reflections on existence
- immersive journey through longing
- cathartic moments of release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek upbeat, high-energy vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is noted for its ambitious storytelling and sonic experimentation.
- Career context
- By 2017, Manchester Orchestra was transitioning into a more introspective phase, following their acclaimed album 'Cope' (2014). 'A Black Mile to the Surface' marked a return after a three-year hiatus, showcasing a refined sound that emphasized lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· The Dear Hunter· Circa Survive
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Wolf
The narrator confronts their fears directly while reflecting on past relationships and mistakes made along the way.
This moment underscores a shift from passive reflection to active confrontation, marking a pivotal growth in the narrator's journey.
Tracklist
- 1 The Maze Start here 2:58
- 2 The Gold 4:33
- 3 The Moth 4:35
- 4 Lead, SD 4:53
- 5 The Alien 5:28
- 6 The Sunshine 1:57
- 7 The Grocery 5:12
- 8 The Wolf 4:26
- 9 The Mistake 3:54
- 10 The Parts 4:12
- 11 The Silence 6:59
What to play next
The Million Masks of God
2021
Continues exploring deep themes with a rich sonic landscape.
Hope
2014
Sets an emotional tone that leads into the introspection of the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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