Cavalcade cover

Cavalcade

Black Midi · 2021

43 min · 9 tracks · rock music

A frenetic blend of avant-garde rock and intricate rhythms that challenges conventional song structures while maintaining a visceral intensity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    John L — This track exemplifies the band's chaotic energy, featuring rapid tempo shifts and complex guitar work that encapsulate their avant-garde style.
  • →
    Slow — A haunting exploration of introspection, this track balances delicate instrumentation with unsettling lyrics, showcasing their range and depth as songwriters.
  • →
    Dethroned — With its aggressive sound and dynamic shifts, this track stands out for its commentary on power dynamics, reflecting the band's socio-political engagement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Cavalcade showcases complex compositions and unique structures, marking a significant evolution in Black Midi's sound.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, moving from chaotic sections to quieter, more introspective moments without warning.
  • The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with some tracks exceeding five minutes and incorporating multiple distinct sections.
  • Vocals often intertwine with intricate instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that challenges traditional rock dynamics.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Introduction 1:31
  • 2 John L 5:13
  • 3 Marlene Dietrich 2:54
  • 4 Chondromalacia Patella 4:49
  • 5 Slow 5:38
  • 6 Diamond Stuff 6:26
  • 7 Dethroned 5:04
  • 8 Hogwash and Balderdash 2:33
  • 9 Ascending Forth 9:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata