Released 10 years ago
Amorphae
Ben Monder · 2016
44 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A meditative blend of intricate guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of fluidity and depth throughout.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tendrils — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its delicate interplay between melody and texture, establishing Monder's signature style right from the start.
-
→
Gamma Crucis — The interplay between the guitar and bass creates a hypnotic groove, demonstrating Monder's skill in blending improvisation with composition seamlessly.
-
→
Dinosaur Skies — This track features expansive sonic landscapes that highlight Monder's innovative use of effects and layering, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalMonder's intricate guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes create a unique blend of traditional and avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features long, flowing tracks that often extend beyond six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
- Each track employs a layered approach, with guitar lines weaving in and out of ambient textures, creating a sense of depth.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- meditative atmosphere for reflection
- intricate guitar detail exploration
- gradual builds rewarding patience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefer standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2016, Amorphae is Ben Monder's sixth studio album, following his critically acclaimed record, Hydra, from 2014. At this stage in his career, Monder was solidifying his reputation as an innovative jazz guitarist known for pushing genre boundaries with experimental techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Frisell· John Abercrombie· Pat Metheny
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tendrils 5:21
- 2 Oh, What a Beautiful Morning 5:22
- 3 Tumid Cenobite 4:49
- 4 Gamma Crucis 5:15
- 5 Zythum 7:06
- 6 Triffids 2:55
- 7 Hematophagy 6:57
- 8 Dinosaur Skies 7:05
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.