Crush cover

Crush

Floating Points · 2019

44 min · 12 tracks · electronic music

A lush tapestry of electronic textures interweaves with jazz-inflected melodies, creating a meditative soundscape that invites deep listening.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Last Bloom — This track showcases a seamless blend of organic instrumentation and electronic elements, evoking a sense of growth and transformation throughout its journey.
  • →
    Requiem for CS70 and Strings — A poignant interlude that elegantly combines synthesized sounds with string arrangements, highlighting Floating Points' skill in crafting emotionally resonant pieces.
  • →
    Environments — The piece creates an immersive atmosphere by layering delicate textures with rhythmic pulses, inviting listeners to explore the sonic landscape deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
77 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Crush showcases intricate production and a unique blend of electronic and jazz elements, inviting deep listening.

What we noticed

  • The album features long tracks that often build gradually, layering electronic textures and melodies over time.
  • Several pieces incorporate live instrumentation, such as strings and piano, blending seamlessly with synthesized sounds.
  • The last two tracks are split into parts, creating a sense of continuity and progression as they explore similar themes.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • tranquil soundscapes for relaxation
  • dynamic moments of reflective calm
  • subtle shifts in emotional tone
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • background ambiance for creativity

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Crush' was released in 2019, Floating Points, the project of producer Sam Shepherd, had already garnered acclaim for his innovative blend of electronic and jazz music. This album followed his critically lauded debut album 'Elaenia' (2015) and established him further as a groundbreaking artist in the contemporary music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Bonobo· Nicolas Jaar· Four Tet

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Falaise 3:55
  • 2 Last Bloom 5:53
  • 3 Anasickmodular 3:12
  • 4 Requiem for CS70 and Strings 2:23
  • 5 Karakul 1:54
  • 6 LesAlpx 4:42
  • 7 Bias 5:08
  • 8 Environments 4:45
  • 9 Birth 3:00
  • 10 Sea-Watch 4:04
  • 11 Apoptose, Pt. 1 2:35
  • 12 Apoptose, Pt. 2 2:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata