What makes Decompositions: Volume Number One by Circle Takes the Square notable?

This album is significant for revitalizing interest in the screamo genre during a time when it was largely overlooked. Its ambitious structure and lyrical depth garnered critical acclaim, leading to features in several music publications and solidifying Circle Takes the Square's status as pioneers within the post-hardcore movement. When Circle Takes the Square released Decompositions: Volume Number One in 2012, they were emerging from a hiatus after their acclaimed debut album, As the Roots Undo (2004). This record marked their return to the scene and showcased a matured sound while retaining their signature blend of chaos and melody, reflecting their growth over nearly a decade.

How many songs are on Decompositions: Volume Number One?

Decompositions: Volume Number One has 9 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Decompositions: Volume Number One

Circle Takes the Square · 2012

55 min · 9 tracks · screamo

A sprawling, intricate tapestry of screamo that weaves together emotional intensity and complex arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Enter by the Narrow Gates — The opening track sets a haunting tone with its atmospheric build-up, merging dissonant guitar work with poetic lyricism that introduces the overarching themes of the album.
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Way of Ever‐Branching Paths — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, combining frenetic energy with introspective lyrics that explore personal and existential dilemmas.
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Singing Vengeance Into Being — The climactic nature of this song showcases intricate instrumental interplay and passionate vocal delivery, culminating in an emotionally charged experience that encapsulates the album's essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate arrangements and emotional vocal contrasts mark it as a significant entry in the screamo genre.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with most exceeding five minutes, allowing for extensive development of musical themes.
Vocal delivery alternates between high-pitched screams and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The final track incorporates ambient elements that gradually fade out, providing a sense of closure to the album.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Enter by the Narrow Gates 6:55
2 Spirit Narrative 2:46
3 Way of Ever‐Branching Paths 8:57
4 The Ancestral Other Side 4:27
5 Prefaced by the Signal Fires 5:25
6 A Closing Chapter (Scarlet Rising) 4:54
7 Singing Vengeance Into Being 6:48
8 Arrowhead as Epilogue 4:24
9 North Star, Inverted 10:54

What to play next

Go back to

As the Roots Undo

2004

Full Circle Takes the Square discography Artists like Circle Takes the Square

screamo

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