Animism
Tagaq · 2014
49 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A visceral blend of throat singing and avant-garde soundscapes that evokes the raw essence of nature and Inuit culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Caribou — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its powerful invocation of nature and primal sounds, showcasing Tagaq's vocal prowess.
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Fracking — A bold critique of environmental exploitation, this track employs intense vocal techniques to mimic the sounds of a fracking site, making a profound statement about ecological concerns.
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Damp Animal Spirits — This lengthy piece encapsulates the album's themes of connection to nature and spirituality through Tagaq's hypnotic vocals and dynamic instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tagaq's unique blend of throat singing and avant-garde elements creates a distinct and immersive experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered throat singing over minimalist instrumentation, setting a tone of raw intensity.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, moving from quiet, contemplative moments to powerful vocal crescendos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- dynamic emotional journeys
- contemplative nature connection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Animism is Tanya Tagaq's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record, Inuit. At this point in her career, Tagaq was gaining international recognition for her unique fusion of traditional Inuit throat singing with contemporary music styles, establishing herself as a distinct voice in both indigenous and avant-garde circles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Björk· Lisa Gerrard· Dead Can Dance
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Caribou 4:53
- 2 Uja 2:49
- 3 Umingmak 3:57
- 4 Genetic Memory 1:36
- 5 Rabbit 4:06
- 6 Tulugak 8:57
- 7 Howl 3:10
- 8 Flight 4:41
- 9 Fight 3:30
- 10 Damp Animal Spirits 7:23
- 11 Fracking 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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