Released 13 years ago this October
By and Down
A Perfect Circle · 2013
5 min · 1 track · alternative rock
A haunting exploration of introspection, merging atmospheric instrumentals with thought-provoking lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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By and Down — This track encapsulates the album's introspective nature, blending somber melodies with reflective lyrics that explore themes of self-examination and emotional struggle.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong lyrical content and atmospheric arrangements but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The track features a slow build, starting with atmospheric instrumentals that gradually layer in intensity.
- The arrangement includes dynamic shifts, where quieter moments contrast with more powerful instrumental crescendos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing maturity in sound and depth.
- Career context
- Released on October 14, 2013, By and Down marked A Perfect Circle's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last studio album in 2004. This single reestablished the band's presence in the alternative rock scene, showcasing their evolution while maintaining the signature sound that fans had come to expect. The project was also notable as it followed frontman Maynard James Keenan's other endeavors, including his work with Puscifer and Tool.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tool· Deftones· Porcupine Tree
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 By and Down 5:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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