Compassion
Forest Swords · 2017
48 min · 10 tracks · experimental music
A haunting exploration of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that evokes a landscape of introspection and unease.
Top tracks — play these first
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War It — The opening track sets the tone with its intricate layering of textures, creating an immersive auditory experience that draws listeners into the album's thematic depth.
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The Highest Flood — This track stands out for its powerful dynamics, merging ethereal vocals with a driving beat that encapsulates the album's exploration of tension and release.
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Panic — With its frenetic rhythms and dissonant melodies, this piece captures a sense of urgency and chaos, reflecting the emotional intensity found throughout the record.
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Sjurvival — At just over two minutes, this brief interlude offers a moment of reflection amidst the more intense tracks, showcasing the artist's ability to create atmosphere in concise form.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative soundscapes and atmospheric depth make it a notable entry in experimental music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered textures, with ambient soundscapes often punctuated by rhythmic pulses that create a sense of movement.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks building tension through gradual layering while others abruptly shift dynamics, creating moments of unease.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- rhythmic pulses for focused work
- patient unfolding of textures
- immersive listening for deep thought
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, 'Compassion' marked Forest Swords' return after a lengthy hiatus following their debut album 'Engravings' in 2013. The album showcases a maturation in sound, blending experimental electronic elements with organic instrumentation, further establishing the project's unique voice within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Burial· Oneohtrix Point Never· Tim Hecker
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Arms Out
The bridge shifts from abstract imagery to a vivid portrayal of yearning for connection during moments of isolation.
This shift in focus lends emotional weight to the song, contrasting the earlier ambiguity and grounding it in personal experience.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 War It 5:54
- 2 The Highest Flood 5:07
- 3 Panic 4:48
- 4 Exalter 5:36
- 5 Border Margin Barrier 3:08
- 6 Arms Out 5:47
- 7 Vandalism 4:37
- 8 Sjurvival 2:26
- 9 Raw Language 4:28
- 10 Knife Edge 6:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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