What makes Asa Breed by Matthew Dear notable?

The album received significant acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists and helping to define the sound of modern techno. It was praised for its innovative fusion of styles, influencing a generation of electronic artists and contributing to the rise of more lyrical content within the genre. Asa Breed was Matthew Dear's first full-length release after his critically acclaimed EPs, marking a significant transition from underground producer to an artist with broader appeal. Released in 2007, it showcased his evolving sound and lyrical depth, solidifying his place in the electronic music landscape.

Who is Asa Breed for?

Asa Breed works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, intricate melodies to explore and engaging headphone detail hunting.

How many songs are on Asa Breed?

Asa Breed has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Asa Breed

Matthew Dear · 2007

44 min · 13 tracks · techno

A seamless blend of hypnotic techno beats and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of both alienation and connection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fleece on Brain — This opening track introduces the album's tone with its hypnotic rhythm and layered vocals, setting the stage for Dear's exploration of emotional themes.
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Elementary Lover (feat. Mobius Band) — Featuring a catchy chorus and playful production, this track represents Dear's ability to merge pop sensibilities with experimental sounds, making it a standout hit.
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Midnight Lovers — With its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of desire and vulnerability, showcasing Dear's songwriting prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's seamless flow and innovative sound design mark it as a notable entry in modern techno.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths and rhythmic patterns that create a hypnotic atmosphere throughout.
Several tracks utilize minimalistic vocal samples that are treated as instrumental elements rather than traditional lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

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 groove
intricate melodies to explore
engaging headphone detail hunting
late-night reflective ambiance

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Asa Breed was Matthew Dear's first full-length release after his critically acclaimed EPs, marking a significant transition from underground producer to an artist with broader appeal. Released in 2007, it showcased his evolving sound and lyrical depth, solidifying his place in the electronic music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Four Tet· James Blake· Burial

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Fleece on Brain 4:15
2 Neighborhoods 3:10
3 Deserter 3:55
4 Shy 3:44
5 Elementary Lover (feat. Mobius Band) 3:19
6 Don and Sherri 3:25
7 Will Gravity Win Tonight? 2:41
8 Pom Pom 2:39
9 Death to Feelers 2:47
10 Give Me More 2:41
11 Midnight Lovers 4:28
12 Good to Be Alive 3:47
13 Vine to Vine 3:31

What to play next

Listen next

2007

Go back to

Fabric 27

2006

Full Matthew Dear discography Where to start with Matthew Dear Artists like Matthew Dear

techno

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata