Enormous Door cover

Enormous Door

The Ex · 2013

44 min · 8 tracks · art rock

A vibrant tapestry of art rock infused with punk energy and unconventional rhythms, creating a distinctive sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Last Famous Words Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Every Sixth Is Cracked — This track exemplifies the band's experimental approach with intricate instrumentation and sharp lyrical commentary on societal issues, making it a highlight of the album.
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    Bicycle Illusion — With its infectious rhythm and playful yet poignant lyrics, this song captures the essence of The Ex's ability to blend joy with deeper reflections on life.
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    We Are Made of Places — This track stands out for its atmospheric arrangement and introspective lyrics, reflecting the band's characteristic depth and sense of place.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative rhythms and structures, maintaining a distinct sound throughout.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Last Famous Words', establishing a high energy that persists through the first half.
  • The final track, 'Theme From Konono no. 2', incorporates elements of world music, contrasting sharply with the preceding tracks.
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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • vibrant auditory collage experience
  • thoughtful listening for details
  • explorative soundscapes throughout
  • engaging narratives in each track

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Innovative sound and complex themes mark a significant artistic evolution.
Themes
societal critique· DIY ethos· atmospheric landscapes
Career context
Released in 2013, Enormous Door marked The Ex's continued evolution in the art rock genre following their 2007 album, Catch My Shoe. By this time, the band had established themselves as a significant presence in experimental music, known for their adventurous sound and politically charged lyrics. This album reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in their DIY ethos.
Stylistic neighbors
Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero

Tracklist

  • 1 Last Famous Words Start here 5:57
  • 2 Every Sixth Is Cracked 6:30
  • 3 Belomi Benna 4:36
  • 4 Red Cow 3:30
  • 5 Our Leaky Homes 4:24
  • 6 Bicycle Illusion 7:06
  • 7 We Are Made of Places 5:22
  • 8 Theme From Konono no. 2 7:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata