Cascade cover

Cascade

Peter Murphy · 1995

52 min · 11 tracks · post-punk

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a rich tapestry of longing and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mirror to My Woman's Mind — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics that explore themes of identity and perception.
  • →
    The Scarlet Thing in You — A standout on the album, this track combines vivid imagery and emotional depth, highlighting Murphy's lyrical prowess and vocal delivery.
  • →
    Cascade — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its sweeping melodies and contemplative lyrics, serving as a climactic moment in the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric sound and experimental structures create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering atmospheric sounds before introducing vocals.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often shifting dynamics and tempos unexpectedly.
  • The final track, 'Cascade', serves as an extended outro, fading out slowly with minimal instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • atmospheric soundscapes for reflection
  • introspective melodies for solitude
  • haunting themes of longing
  • patient unfolding of emotions
  • immersive listening during twilight

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer instant gratification music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1995, Cascade is Peter Murphy's fourth solo album, following the commercial success of his previous work, Deep. At this point in his career, Murphy was exploring more atmospheric and experimental sounds, moving away from the darker post-punk roots established during his time with Bauhaus.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mirror to My Woman's Mind 5:34
  • 2 Subway 4:37
  • 3 Gliding Like a Whale 4:23
  • 4 Disappearing 4:55
  • 5 Mercy Rain 3:43
  • 6 I'll Fall With Your Knife 4:31
  • 7 The Scarlet Thing in You 4:24
  • 8 Sails Wave Goodbye 4:44
  • 9 Wild Birds Flock to Me 3:48
  • 10 Huuvola 5:54
  • 11 Cascade 6:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata