What makes Bloodflood by alt-J notable?

Bloodflood gained attention for its innovative blend of genres, contributing to alt-J's rise in popularity. The EP was well-received by critics and played a significant role in the band's eventual win of the 2012 Mercury Prize for An Awesome Wave, solidifying their impact on the indie rock landscape. Released in January 2011, Bloodflood marked alt-J's debut EP following their formation in 2007. This release came shortly after their critically acclaimed debut album, An Awesome Wave, which helped establish them as a unique voice in the indie music scene.

How many songs are on Bloodflood?

Bloodflood has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Bloodflood

alt-J · 2011

7 min · 2 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal soundscapes merge with intricate rhythms and haunting vocals, creating an immersive sonic experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bloodflood — The title track showcases the band's signature blend of intricate instrumentation and layered harmonies, making it a defining sound for their early work.
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Tessellate — This track exemplifies alt-J's unique approach to songwriting, featuring unconventional song structures and poetic lyricism that captivated listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Bloodflood showcases intricate songwriting and production, establishing alt-J's unique sound early in their career.

What we noticed

The title track features layered harmonies and a gradual build-up of instrumentation, creating a sense of tension that resolves in the chorus.
The second track employs syncopated rhythms and a minimalist arrangement, allowing the vocals to take center stage against a backdrop of subtle electronic elements.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established alt-J's reputation with its innovative sound, leading to wider recognition.
Themes: ethereal landscapes· poetic lyricism· immersive soundscapes
Career context: Released in January 2011, Bloodflood marked alt-J's debut EP following their formation in 2007. This release came shortly after their critically acclaimed debut album, An Awesome Wave, which helped establish them as a unique voice in the indie music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala