Dust cover

Dust

Laurel Halo · 2017

47 min · 12 tracks · techno

A disorienting blend of experimental techno and abstract pop, weaving intricate soundscapes with a sense of surrealism.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Sun to Solar — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive soundscape and ethereal vocals, drawing listeners into Halo's intricate world of sound.
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    Jelly — This track features playful rhythms and glitchy textures that exemplify Halo's innovative approach to production, making it a standout example of her artistry.
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    Who Won? — With its haunting vocal layers and minimalist instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of competition and existential themes amidst a shifting sonic landscape.
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    Syzygy — This lengthy piece showcases Halo’s ability to create immersive atmospheres through layered sounds and evolving motifs, highlighting her unique compositional style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Dust showcases intricate soundscapes and innovative production, making it a notable entry in experimental techno.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synth textures that create a dense, immersive soundscape throughout its duration.
  • Tracks often shift in tempo and rhythm, with abrupt transitions that challenge the listener's expectations.
  • Several pieces incorporate field recordings and unconventional sounds, adding an element of surprise and disorientation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Laurel Halo released 'Dust' in 2017, she was already an established figure in the experimental music scene, following her critically acclaimed album 'In Situ' from 2013. This album marks a significant evolution in her sound, showcasing a more introspective and boundary-pushing approach as she delves deeper into themes of identity and technology.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sun to Solar 5:35
  • 2 Jelly 4:55
  • 3 Koinos 2:50
  • 4 Arschkriecher 1:35
  • 5 Moontalk 4:24
  • 6 Nicht ohne Risiko 1:41
  • 7 Who Won? 3:44
  • 8 Like an L 3:58
  • 9 Syzygy 6:30
  • 10 Do U Ever Happen 5:14
  • 11 Buh-bye 3:25
  • 12 Who Won? (acapella) 3:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata