And Their Refinement of the Decline cover

And Their Refinement of the Decline

Stars of the Lid · 2007

120 min · 18 tracks · ambient music

Ethereal drones intertwine with minimalist textures, creating a serene soundscape that invites deep contemplation and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dungtitled (in A major) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    The Daughters of Quiet Minds — Clocking in at over thirteen minutes, this track exemplifies the duo's ability to evoke expansive emotional landscapes through subtle variations in sound. Its gradual build creates a meditative experience that encapsulates the album's overall aesthetic.
  • →
    Even If You’re Never Awake (deuxième) — This piece showcases delicate harmonies layered over sustained tones, inviting listeners into a dreamlike state that perfectly aligns with the album's themes of introspection and mindfulness. The slow progression offers a sense of timelessness.
  • →
    Don’t Bother They’re Here — With its lengthy duration and evolving soundscape, this track captures the essence of ambient music as it slowly unfolds. The immersive quality encourages an experience rather than mere listening, making it a standout representation of the album’s intent.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative and introspective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Noted for its profound influence and artistic innovation within the ambient genre.
Themes
sonic landscapes· meditative silence· time's passage
Career context
Released in 2007, And Their Refinement of the Decline is Stars of the Lid's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid. At this point in their career, they had solidified their reputation within the ambient music scene, refining their signature sound while exploring deeper emotional resonance through extended compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Tim Hecker· Max Richter

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Dungtitled (in A major) Start here 5:54
  • 2 Articulate Silences, Part 1 5:24
  • 3 Articulate Silences, Part 2 5:37
  • 4 The Evil That Never Arrived 5:04
  • 5 Apreludes (in C sharp major) 3:44
  • 6 Don’t Bother They’re Here 10:10
  • 7 Dopamine Clouds Over Craven Cottage 5:54
  • 8 Even If You’re Never Awake (deuxième) 9:20
  • 9 Even (Out) + 4:51
  • 10 A Meaningful Moment Through a Meaning(less) Process 4:32

Disc 2

  • 1 Another Ballad for Heavy Lids 4:32
  • 2 The Daughters of Quiet Minds 13:21
  • 3 Hiberner toujours 1:49
  • 4 That Finger on Your Temple Is the Barrel of My Raygun 5:04
  • 5 Humectez la mouture 5:31
  • 6 Tippy’s Demise 8:18
  • 7 The Mouthchew 3:40
  • 8 December Hunting for Vegetarian Fuckface 17:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata