COMM cover

COMM

The Tangent · 2011

67 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

An intricate tapestry of progressive rock, weaving elaborate melodies and complex time signatures into a cohesive narrative experience.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Wiki Man — This opening track sets the tone of the album with its expansive length and thematic exploration of information in the digital age. Its intricate arrangement showcases the band's skillful musicianship and lyrical commentary on modernity.
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    Titanic Calls Carpathia — This track exemplifies The Tangent's ability to blend historical narratives with personal reflection, creating an emotionally engaging listening experience. Its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood encapsulate the essence of progressive rock.
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    Tech Support Guy — Offering a satirical take on modern technology reliance, this track highlights the band's knack for blending humor with serious themes. Its catchy melody contrasts sharply with its contemplative lyrics about technological dependence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and a cohesive narrative, marking it as a strong entry in progressive rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with 'The Wiki Man' clocking in at over 10 minutes, allowing for intricate development of themes.
  • Lyrical content addresses contemporary issues, with narrative elements woven into the music, especially evident in 'Tech Support Guy'.
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
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 2/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cohesive narrative journey unfolding
  • intricate melodies for deep focus
  • extended tracks for patient listeners
  • immersive experience for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone songs
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, COMM marked The Tangent's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Not As Good As The Book from 2008. At this stage, the band had established themselves as a significant player in the progressive rock scene, known for their fusion of classic influences with contemporary themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Spock's Beard· Transatlantic· The Flower Kings

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Wiki Man 20:14
  • 2 The Mind’s Eye 8:14
  • 3 Shoot Them Down 6:45
  • 4 Tech Support Guy 5:51
  • 5 Titanic Calls Carpathia 16:36
  • 6 The Spirit of the Net (demo) 4:45
  • 7 Fantasy Bootleg (Watcher of the Skies) 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata