Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Black Dick — This track stands out as a stark confrontation of race and sexuality, blending uncomfortable narrative with haunting melodies that challenge listeners.
-
→
New Life Immigration — A poignant commentary on immigration issues, this song merges personal and political narratives through its haunting instrumentation and urgent vocal delivery.
-
→
Cinthya's Unisex — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of identity, utilizing vivid imagery and an eclectic arrangement to evoke a sense of disorientation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's confrontational sound and raw lyrical content create a unique and unsettling experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features a slow, pulsating synth line layered with dissonant sounds, setting a dark tone.
- Lyrically, the album addresses taboo subjects directly, often juxtaposing vulnerable vocal delivery against harsh electronic backdrops.
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo emotional exploration
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- raw vulnerability in every track
- in-order listening for full impact
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, energetic tracks
- prefer easily digestible singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Deliberate departure with raw themes, pushing boundaries of Xiu Xiu's established sound.
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Angel Guts: Red Classroom marked Xiu Xiu's sixth studio album and followed their 2013 release, Always. By this point in their career, the band had solidified a reputation for pushing boundaries within experimental and art rock genres. The album showcases their continued evolution in sound and themes, characterized by an exploration of darker subject matter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dirty Beaches· The Knife· FKA twigs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Angel Guts: 3:28
- 2 Archie's Fades 3:45
- 3 Stupid in the Dark 2:50
- 4 Lawrence Liquors 2:59
- 5 Black Dick 3:43
- 6 New Life Immigration 2:47
- 7 El Naco 3:13
- 8 Adult Friends 2:23
- 9 The Silver Platter 3:39
- 10 Bitter Melon 2:55
- 11 A Knife in the Sun 2:55
- 12 Cinthya's Unisex 4:22
- 13 Botanica de Los Angeles 3:05
- 14 :Red Classroom 2:27
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.