A Humdrum Star
GoGo Penguin · 2018
50 min · 9 tracks · jazz
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine intricate rhythms, creating a mesmerizing blend of jazz and electronic influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Prayer — Opening with delicate piano lines and subtle electronic textures, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of atmosphere over traditional structure.
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Bardo — This track features complex rhythms and dynamic shifts that showcase the band's ability to blend improvisation with composed elements, making it a standout representation of their style.
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Reactor — With its driving beats and layered instrumentation, Reactor exemplifies the band's knack for crafting immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of jazz into new territories.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate rhythms and electronic fusion create a unique sound within the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- Each track typically builds from a minimalist motif, layering additional instruments and textures as it progresses.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, blending acoustic instrumentation with synthesized sounds to create an ethereal atmosphere.
- 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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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- intricate rhythms for attentive listening
- atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
- cascading melodies that unfold gradually
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, instant gratification
- seek fast-paced, energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- A Humdrum Star marks GoGo Penguin's fourth studio album, released after their critically acclaimed album Man Made Object. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique fusion of jazz and contemporary electronic music, gaining recognition in both the jazz community and beyond.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Portico Quartet· BadBadNotGood· Phronesis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Prayer 2:54
- 2 Raven 4:57
- 3 Bardo 7:14
- 4 A Hundred Moons 4:27
- 5 Strid 8:10
- 6 Transient State 5:59
- 7 Return to Text 5:22
- 8 Reactor 6:17
- 9 Window 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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