Currents, Constellations
Nels Cline · 2018
44 min · 8 tracks · indie rock
A fluid tapestry of avant-garde jazz and indie rock, weaving intricate melodies through expansive soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Furtive — The opening track establishes the album's atmospheric tone with delicate guitar textures and haunting harmonies that draw listeners into Cline's expansive sonic world.
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Swing Ghost ’59 — This piece exemplifies Cline's ability to fuse jazz rhythms with rock elements, featuring playful yet sophisticated guitar lines that evoke nostalgia while pushing boundaries.
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River Mouth (Parts 1 & 2) — Spanning over nine minutes, this track serves as a centerpiece of the album, showcasing Cline’s masterful control over dynamics and texture as it seamlessly transitions between serene and chaotic moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and innovative sound blend make it a standout in both indie rock and jazz.
What we noticed
- The use of layered guitar effects and ambient textures creates expansive soundscapes that evolve throughout each track.
- 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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6/10
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
- steady pacing with gradual builds
- intricate soundscapes for deep focus
- emotional depth through evolving themes
- reflective moments for quiet introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Currents, Constellations follows Nels Cline's notable work with Wilco and his exploration of solo artistry. This album marks a significant evolution in his career as it showcases his deepening commitment to improvisation and experimental sounds, positioning him as a leading figure in contemporary jazz and avant-garde music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jeff Parker· Bill Frisell· Tortoise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Furtive 4:53
- 2 Swing Ghost ’59 5:01
- 3 Imperfect 10 4:24
- 4 As Close as That 6:22
- 5 Amenette 5:31
- 6 Temporarily 5:33
- 7 River Mouth (Parts 1 & 2) 9:32
- 8 For Each, a Flower 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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