Clear Moon
Mount Eerie · 2012
41 min · 11 tracks · indie folk
Eerie soundscapes blend with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful exploration of isolation and nature.
Top tracks — play these first
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Through the Trees, pt. 2 — This track opens the album with a meditative tone, setting the stage for the themes of solitude and introspection that pervade throughout.
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the Place I Live — A poignant reflection on home and belonging, this song captures the essence of Elverum's lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
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Clear Moon — The title track encapsulates the album’s ethereal quality, intertwining vivid imagery with existential musings that linger long after listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of ambient soundscapes and introspective lyrics creates a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long, ambient tracks that often blend spoken word with sparse instrumentation, creating a meditative atmosphere.
- The sequencing includes gradual shifts in dynamics, with quieter moments leading into more intense sections, particularly in the second half.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- meditative reflections on nature
- haunting vocals for solitude
- patient unfolding of themes
- intimate atmosphere for introspection
- immersive soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer structured, catchy formats
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Clear Moon is Mount Eerie's third studio album, following the critically acclaimed release of Ocean Roar in 2012. At this point in his career, Phil Elverum was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the indie folk scene, known for his unique blend of lo-fi aesthetics and deeply personal storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Phil Elverum· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Through the Trees, pt. 2 5:50
- 2 the Place Lives 2:42
- 3 the Place I Live 5:58
- 4 (something) 1:31
- 5 Lone Bell 4:15
- 6 House Shape 4:03
- 7 Over Dark Water 3:06
- 8 (something) 0:30
- 9 Clear Moon 7:20
- 10 Yawning Sky 3:28
- 11 (synthesizer) 2:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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