All Is Wild, All Is Silent cover

All Is Wild, All Is Silent

Balmorhea · 2009

42 min · 9 tracks · post-rock

A haunting tapestry of intricate melodies layered over minimalist instrumentation that evokes a sense of tranquil introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Settler — Opening with a gradual build, this track embodies the album's serene yet complex nature, setting the tone for the instrumental journey ahead.
  • →
    Harm and Boon — This lengthy piece showcases the band's ability to create tension and release through dynamic shifts, reflecting both struggle and resolution.
  • →
    Truth — With its contemplative melody and subtle crescendos, this track encapsulates the introspective essence of the album, inviting listeners into deeper reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate layering and gradual build create a compelling listening experience, though it follows familiar post-rock templates.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and piano often intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
  • Each track typically builds gradually, starting with minimal elements and adding complexity as it progresses, culminating in more expansive climaxes.
  • Several tracks utilize silence effectively, allowing moments of stillness that enhance the emotional weight of the music.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

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

  • tranquil introspection during solitude
  • gentle melodies for quiet moments
  • patient unfolding of intricate layers
  • thoughtful soundscapes for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
All Is Wild, All Is Silent is Balmorhea's second album, following their self-titled debut in 2007. By this point in their career, the band had begun refining their sound, moving towards a more expansive and orchestral approach while still rooted in post-rock aesthetics. This album helped to solidify their place within the indie and post-rock scenes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Settler 6:39
  • 2 March 4, 1831 2:06
  • 3 Harm and Boon 8:05
  • 4 Elegy 2:19
  • 5 Remembrance 5:49
  • 6 Coahuila 3:31
  • 7 Night in the Draw 4:09
  • 8 Truth 7:05
  • 9 November 1, 1832 2:32

What to play next

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Full Balmorhea discography Artists like Balmorhea
post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata