Brutal Calling
Bill Laswell · 2004
51 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A sonic tapestry weaving together dub, jazz, and experimental sounds with a stark commentary on contemporary issues.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Mass Graves Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting soundscapes that immediately confront listeners with themes of violence and loss.
-
→
Doctored Intelligence — This track exemplifies Laswell's fusion of dub rhythms with electronic elements, creating a disorienting experience that critiques manipulation in information.
-
→
Whistleblower Body — Incorporating unsettling samples and pulsating bass lines, this track highlights the album's focus on transparency and accountability in society.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's complex compositions and thematic depth create a unique listening experience within its genre.
What we noticed
- Tracks often shift abruptly in dynamics, moving from subdued passages to intense climaxes, creating a sense of tension and release.
- Several pieces incorporate field recordings and samples that comment on societal issues, enhancing the thematic depth of the music.
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo explorations
- haunting atmospheres for focus
- thought-provoking soundscapes
- immersive listening experience
- subtle tension throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — It showcases a deliberate departure in sound and thematic exploration.
- Themes
- contemporary violence· information manipulation· social accountability
- Career context
- By 2004, Bill Laswell had firmly established himself as an influential figure in the realms of dub and experimental music. 'Brutal Calling' arrived after his notable collaborations and productions for various artists, showcasing his unique ability to blend genres while addressing pressing social themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tackhead· Herbie Hancock· Thievery Corporation
Tracklist
- 1 Mass Graves Start here 5:55
- 2 Tunnel 110 7:18
- 3 Doctored Intelligence 6:19
- 4 Not Tomorrow or Never 6:28
- 5 Decapitation Strike 6:28
- 6 Whistleblower Body 7:09
- 7 Lockdown on Bridges and Tunnels 5:39
- 8 UXO 6:10
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Mirror Conspiracy
Thievery Corporation
Merges dub and jazz influences with a focus on socio-political themes and a rich sonic atmosphere.
Cosmogramma
Flying Lotus
Explores experimental soundscapes blending jazz, electronic, and socio-political commentary.
Third
Portishead
Shares a stark, atmospheric quality and introspective themes of modern existence and emotional turmoil.
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.