Released 10 years ago
Civil Dusk
Bernard Fanning · 2016
39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Melodic folk-infused rock intertwines with introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric exploration of change and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Emerald Flame — This opening track introduces the album's reflective tone with its rich instrumentation and poignant lyrics that set the stage for themes of self-discovery.
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Wasting Time — The song's catchy melody contrasts with its introspective lyrics about life's fleeting moments, encapsulating the album's exploration of time and purpose.
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Rush of Blood — With its driving rhythm and emotive vocals, this track exemplifies Fanning's ability to blend rock energy with introspective storytelling, making it a standout moment.
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Belly of the Beast — Closing the album with a powerful ballad, this track showcases Fanning's vocal range and emotional depth, leaving listeners with a sense of resolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a steady mid-tempo groove, while the fourth introduces a more dynamic arrangement with layered instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature a prominent use of acoustic guitar, creating an organic sound that contrasts with the more polished production in others.
- The album closes with a gradual build-up in 'Belly of the Beast', which culminates in a layered vocal harmony that feels expansive.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- melodic storytelling with heartfelt lyrics
- short tracks for easy engagement
- atmospheric sounds for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy party anthems
- seek constant fast-paced rhythms
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Civil Dusk marked Bernard Fanning's third solo album, following his successful debut, Tea & Sympathy, in 2005. This record came after a significant hiatus during which he focused on his band Powderfinger and pursued various projects. By this point, Fanning had established himself as a prominent figure in Australian music, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Butler· Ben Harper· Angus & Julia Stone
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What a Man Wants
The verse shifts perspective to question desires and expectations in relationships, moving from personal reflection to broader commentary.
This structural shift invites listeners to connect their own experiences to the narrative while broadening the song's thematic reach.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Emerald Flame 4:32
- 2 Wasting Time 3:15
- 3 What a Man Wants 3:32
- 4 Reckless 3:36
- 5 Rush of Blood 4:00
- 6 Change of Pace 3:22
- 7 L.O.L.A. 3:56
- 8 Unpicking a Puzzle 3:35
- 9 Sooner or Later 3:31
- 10 Belly of the Beast 5:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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