Top tracks — play these first
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Breezeblocks — The track stands out with its infectious rhythms and playful lyrics inspired by children's literature, showcasing the band's ability to fuse whimsical storytelling with compelling melodies.
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Tessellate Start here — This song features intricate vocal harmonies and an engaging structure, exemplifying alt-J's experimental edge while delivering thought-provoking themes about desire and connection.
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Matilda — With poignant lyrics that reflect loss and longing, this track highlights the band's emotional depth and lyrical prowess, resonating deeply with listeners through its haunting melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
An Awesome Wave showcases innovative structures and textures, establishing alt-J's unique sound in indie pop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets an atmospheric tone before transitioning into more structured songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- wave-like pacing with interludes
- kaleidoscopic melodies for exploration
- playful experimentation throughout tracks
- immersive listening in order
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward structures
- dislike of dynamic flow
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established alt-J's reputation with significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- children's literature· poignant loss· whimsical storytelling
- Career context
- Upon releasing An Awesome Wave, alt-J was still in their early career phase, having formed just a year prior in 2007. This debut album marked their first significant commercial success, establishing them as a distinct voice in the indie music scene and leading to widespread critical acclaim.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Matilda
A shift occurs when the narrative transitions from reflection to directly addressing Matilda herself, capturing a sense of urgency in the plea for understandin…
This direct address marks a pivotal moment in the song, breaking the emotional distance previously established and intensifying the personal connection.
Tracklist
- 1 Intro 2:37
- 2 ❦ (Ripe & Ruin) 1:12
- 3 Tessellate Start here 3:02
- 4 Breezeblocks 3:47
- 5 ❦ (Guitar) 1:17
- 6 Something Good 3:38
- 7 Dissolve Me 3:59
- 8 Matilda 3:48
- 9 Ms 3:58
- 10 Fitzpleasure 3:39
- 11 ❦ (Piano) 0:53
- 12 Bloodflood 4:09
- 13 Taro
- 14 Handmade (Secret Track)
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Shares intricate melodies and layered harmonies with a whimsical storytelling approach.
For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver
Features emotive vocals and a blend of folk elements that resonate with themes of loss and introspection.
Hospice
The Antlers
Explores poignant narratives through unconventional structures and a rich sonic palette.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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