+ –
Mew · 2015
58 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a dreamlike soundscape that balances fragility and grandeur.
Top tracks — play these first
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Satellites — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive sound and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the essence of Mew's ethereal style.
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The Night Believer — This track features a compelling blend of haunting melodies and upbeat instrumentation, showcasing Mew's ability to juxtapose darkness with lightness.
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Rows — As the longest track on the album, it unfolds gradually, offering deep lyrical content and an immersive sonic experience that exemplifies Mew's adventurous spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mew's + – combines intricate songwriting with ethereal production, creating a distinctive and immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush, atmospheric sound, while the fourth track introduces a more rhythmic and upbeat tempo.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, with abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo that challenge traditional verse-chorus forms.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, leaving an open-ended feeling that invites reflection.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dreamlike soundscapes that evoke wonder
- patient explorations of emotional depth
- intricate rhythms for focused listening
- layers of ethereal melodies unfolding
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate, direct gratification
- want fast-paced, energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2015, + – marked Mew's return after a five-year hiatus following their album No More Stories... in 2009. This album showcased a refined sound while maintaining the band's signature experimental style, illustrating their evolution as artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Postal Service· Sigur Rós· Radiohead
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Satellites 6:09
- 2 Witness 3:02
- 3 The Night Believer 4:12
- 4 Making Friends 4:52
- 5 Clinging to a Bad Dream 6:43
- 6 My Complications 6:04
- 7 Water Slides 5:05
- 8 Interview the Girls 4:04
- 9 Rows 10:43
- 10 Cross the River on Your Own 7:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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