Electric Trim
Lee Ranaldo · 2017
55 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
A swirling blend of experimental soundscapes and lyrical introspection, merging alternative rock with unconventional instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moroccan Mountains — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar work and atmospheric layers that evoke a sense of journey and exploration.
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Let's Start Again — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics paired with a driving rhythm, encapsulating themes of renewal and second chances that resonate throughout the album.
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Electric Trim — The title track blends complex melodies with evocative storytelling, serving as a centerpiece that represents Ranaldo's artistic evolution post-Sonic Youth.
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New Thing — With its dynamic structure and bold instrumentation, this track showcases Ranaldo's ability to merge traditional rock elements with avant-garde influences, highlighting his creative range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends experimental soundscapes with introspective lyrics, showcasing Ranaldo's unique artistic direction post-Sonic Youth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a layered guitar texture that gradually builds, creating a dense atmosphere before introducing vocals.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and electronics, is prominent throughout, particularly in the title track 'Electric Trim'.
- The final track, 'New Thing', concludes with an extended instrumental section that fades out, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- lyrical introspection with depth
- patient unfolding of soundscapes
- exploratory listening for details
- evening reflection and contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Electric Trim is Lee Ranaldo's first album since the disbandment of Sonic Youth in 2011, marking a significant transition in his solo career. Released in 2017, it showcases Ranaldo's exploration of new artistic directions while maintaining his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thurston Moore· Sonic Youth· Swans
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Let's Start Again
The chorus shifts from hopeful repetition to a more urgent plea, creating a contrast that deepens the emotional impact of the song.
This structural choice amplifies the theme of desire for change, emphasizing the struggle between stagnation and personal evolution.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Moroccan Mountains 7:29
- 2 Uncle Skeleton 5:19
- 3 Let's Start Again 5:28
- 4 Last Looks 6:25
- 5 Circular (Right as Rain) 4:27
- 6 Electric Trim 6:28
- 7 Purloined 5:12
- 8 Thrown Over the Wall 7:28
- 9 New Thing 6:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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