A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding in Your Mind: Volume 2 cover

Released 20 years ago

A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Exploding in Your Mind: Volume 2

The Future Sound of London · 2006

145 min · 44 tracks · techno

A kaleidoscopic blend of ambient textures, eclectic samples, and frenetic rhythms that transport listeners through time and space.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sätt att se (instrumental) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Dusk — This track captures the album's ethereal quality through its haunting melodies and layered soundscapes, setting a contemplative mood.
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    Madman Running Through the Fields — An energetic piece that blends diverse samples with driving beats, embodying the chaotic yet immersive essence of the album.
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    (Ballad of) The Hip Death Goddess — This track stands out for its playful yet introspective lyrics and dynamic arrangement, representing the album's exploration of contrasting themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's seamless transitions and eclectic sampling create a unique auditory journey, though it may not have widespread recognition.

What we noticed

  • The use of eclectic samples from various genres is prominent, with some tracks incorporating spoken word elements alongside instrumental layers.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • dynamic exploration of soundscapes
  • wave-like pacing for immersion
  • for late-night journeys
  • kaleidoscopic auditory experiences
  • engaging background for creativity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — This album continues their experimental approach, blending genres and sounds.
Themes
kaleidoscopic soundscapes· chaotic energy· psychedelic exploration
Career context
By 2006, The Future Sound of London were returning with this second volume in the 'A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble' series, building on their earlier experimental reputation. Following their influential work in the 1990s with albums like 'Lifeforms', they aimed to push boundaries further with this project, showcasing a distinct evolution in their sound during the mid-2000s.
Stylistic neighbors
Aphex Twin· Boards of Canada· Orbital
New to The Future Sound of London? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • (Ballad of) The Hip Death Goddess

    The narrative shifts from whimsical descriptions to darker reflections on mortality and existence.

    This juxtaposition creates a striking contrast that enhances the thematic complexity of the song, inviting deeper contemplation from the listener.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Sätt att se (instrumental) Start here 4:46
  • 2 Dusk 4:15
  • 3 Magician in the Mountain 4:09
  • 4 Love Is Everyone 1:58
  • 5 Elephant Man 3:05
  • 6 Silver Star 1:57
  • 7 Moogsters Revenge 2:02
  • 8 Guru-vin 2:53
  • 9 Madman Running Through the Fields 4:08
  • 10 Orpheus 2:48
  • 11 What R We Stealing 3:19
  • 12 Naga Raga 5:04
  • 13 2069 (A Spaced Oddity) 4:04
  • 14 Les gardes volent au secours du roi 3:46
  • 15 Just a Second (Starts Like That!) 1:45
  • 16 (Ballad of) The Hip Death Goddess 3:06
  • 17 Anonymous II 3:05
  • 18 Falling Down (A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble Mix, Part 4) 4:16
  • 19 Soul Sitars 2:05
  • 20 Pentangling 4:32
  • 21 Another Reclamation 2:49

Disc 2

  • 1 Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) 5:08
  • 2 The Pulse 2:19
  • 3 The Way 2:04
  • 4 So You Want to Be a Drummer? a.k.a. and Then There Was Skin 1:20
  • 5 Grass 1:39
  • 6 Masterpiece 5:25
  • 7 Daydream 2:57
  • 8 On Love 2:34
  • 9 Elysian Feels 3:34
  • 10 Exploration 3:50
  • 11 Killing of the Witch 2:10
  • 12 Diana 5:03
  • 13 Adjust Me 3:22
  • 14 Lost in the Haze 2:21
  • 15 Mulberg 4:06
  • 16 Raga vilasakhani todi 3:17
  • 17 Toledo 3:51
  • 18 Frankenstein 4:10
  • 19 Afghanistan 4:03
  • 20 The Lightning Tree 2:39
  • 21 The Onion 3:26
  • 22 Oh Dear (Miss Morse) 1:51
  • 23 High Tide on the Sea of Flesh 3:44

What to play next

Teachings from the Electronic Brain
Listen next

Teachings from the Electronic Brain

2006

This album continues the experimental vibe with a blend of ambient and electronic elements.
Alice in Ultraland
Go back to

Alice in Ultraland

2005

This album sets the stage with its eclectic sounds, leading into the sonic journey of Volume 2.
Full The Future Sound of London discography Where to start with The Future Sound of London Artists like The Future Sound of London
techno

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Geogaddi

Geogaddi

Boards of Canada

Shares a similar ambient texture and kaleidoscopic soundscapes, invoking a psychedelic atmosphere.

Are You Shpongled?

Are You Shpongled?

Shpongle

Combines eclectic samples and frenetic rhythms with a deep psychedelic exploration that mirrors the source.

Dive

Dive

Tycho

Offers a blend of ambient textures and melodic rhythms, creating immersive soundscapes akin to the source's vibe.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata