Released 30 years ago
Amanita
Bardo Pond · 1996
74 min · 11 tracks · space rock
Transcendent guitar layers weave through hypnotic rhythms, creating an immersive soundscape that envelops the listener in cosmic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Limerick — Opening with expansive sonic textures, this track encapsulates the album's essence, merging drone elements with intricate guitar solos that draw listeners into a meditative state.
-
→
Tantric Porno — This track's dynamic shifts between serene passages and intense climaxes highlight the band's mastery of tension and release, showcasing their unique take on psychedelic rock.
-
→
Yellow Turban — With its captivating rhythm and layered instrumentation, this song exemplifies Bardo Pond's ability to create immersive soundscapes that invite deep listening and introspection.
-
→
Be a Fish — This track features a delicate interplay between spoken word elements and rich guitar work, illustrating the band's innovative songwriting approach and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Amanita showcases immersive soundscapes and distinctive guitar work, solidifying its place in space rock.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that develop gradually.
- Layered guitar effects create a dense soundscape, often blending melodies and textures rather than following traditional song structures.
- Vocals are used sparingly and often treated with effects, contributing to the ethereal quality of the music rather than serving as the focal point.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- cosmic dreamscape exploration
- patient unfolding soundscapes
- immersive headphone experiences
- meditative late-night journeys
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Amanita is Bardo Pond's third studio album, released in 1996 during a period of growing recognition within the space rock and psych-rock scenes. Following their self-titled debut and the critically acclaimed Lapsed, this album showcases their evolving sound and deepening experimental approach as they solidified their place in the underground music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spacemen 3· My Bloody Valentine· Flying Saucer Attack
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Sometimes Words
The verses explore themes of communication breakdown, with lines that shift from profound insights to moments of stark confusion.
The contrasting clarity and obscurity in the lyrics emphasize the struggle for connection, mirroring the complex sonic layers present throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Limerick 10:21
- 2 Sentence 5:08
- 3 Tantric Porno 6:13
- 4 Wank 5:28
- 5 The High Frequency 6:51
- 6 Sometimes Words 4:38
- 7 Yellow Turban 7:38
- 8 Rumination 6:22
- 9 Be a Fish 4:42
- 10 Tapir Song 7:32
- 11 RM 9:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.