What makes Deafman Glance by Ryley Walker notable?

Deafman Glance received widespread critical acclaim, landing high on several year-end lists and solidifying Walker's reputation as an innovative songwriter. The album showcases a unique blend of folk and jazz elements that influenced the burgeoning contemporary indie scene, making it a significant release in Walker's discography. By the time Ryley Walker released Deafman Glance in 2016, he had already established himself as a prominent figure in the indie folk scene with his previous album, Primrose Green. This third studio effort marks a departure into more experimental territory, showcasing his evolution as an artist willing to challenge traditional song structures while still maintaining his signature sound.

How many songs are on Deafman Glance?

Deafman Glance has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Deafman Glance

Ryley Walker · 2016

41 min · 9 tracks · indie folk

A rich tapestry of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics woven together with a blend of folk and avant-garde influences.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
In Castle Dome — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sprawling instrumentation and contemplative lyrics, establishing the thematic depth explored throughout the record.
→
22 Days — With its intricate guitar melodies and vivid storytelling, this track exemplifies Walker's ability to merge complex arrangements with intimate lyrical moments.
→
Can’t Ask Why — The haunting atmosphere and evocative imagery in this song encapsulate the emotional core of the album, showcasing Walker's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate arrangements and abstract lyrics create a unique listening experience that rewards multiple plays.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'Telluride Speed', where guitar solos dominate the arrangement.
The lyrics often employ abstract imagery and non-linear storytelling, inviting listeners to engage with the themes on a deeper level.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

22 Days

The imagery shifts from a serene landscape to a chaotic inner turmoil reflects a poignant struggle between peace and conflict.

This structural shift in imagery reveals the underlying tension in the narrative, effectively contrasting tranquility with emotional unrest.

Tracklist

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

1 In Castle Dome 5:35
2 22 Days 5:59
3 Accommodations 3:04
4 Can’t Ask Why 5:41
5 Opposite Middle 3:35
6 Telluride Speed 6:27
7 Expired 5:41
8 Rocks on Rainbow 1:45
9 Spoil With the Rest 3:42

What to play next

Listen next

Cannots

2016

Go back to

Golden Sings That Have Been Sung

2016

Full Ryley Walker discography Artists like Ryley Walker

indie folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata