Excess cover

Released 16 years ago this October

Excess

Coma · 2010

72 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A complex interplay of dark melodies and intricate rhythms characterizes this album's exploration of existential themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Excess — The title track introduces the album’s thematic depth with its heavy instrumentation and reflective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire collection.
  • →
    Poisonous Plants — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics that metaphorically discuss toxic relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Silence and Fire — With its expansive structure and emotional build-up, this song encapsulates the tension between despair and hope that runs throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate rhythms and dark melodies while exploring deep themes, making it a notable entry in alternative rock.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered guitar riffs and a driving rhythm, establishing a dark tone that persists throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Transfusion' which shifts from a slow build to an intense climax.
  • The lyrics often explore existential themes, with tracks like 'Witnesses of the Decline of the Eternal Boys Land' featuring complex imagery and metaphor.
  • The final track, 'F.T.M.O.', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the album's thematic concerns.
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
6/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • brooding atmosphere for introspection
  • dynamic journey of emotions
  • afternoon listening in solitude
  • detailed headphone exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone upbeat singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Excess' was released in 2010, Coma had already established themselves in the Polish alternative rock scene with their previous albums. This record marked their fifth studio release, showcasing a maturation in their sound as they navigated themes of disillusionment and societal critique.
Stylistic neighbors
The National· Interpol· Death Cab for Cutie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Struggle

    The narrative shifts from an internal monologue to addressing an external audience highlights a plea for understanding amidst chaos.

    This structural choice creates a stark contrast between introspection and outreach, emphasizing the theme of seeking connection in isolation.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Excess 5:59
  • 2 Transfusion 3:53
  • 3 Poisonous Plants 6:41
  • 4 Confusion 3:20
  • 5 T.B.T.R. 8:29
  • 6 Struggle 5:01
  • 7 Afternoons in the Colour of Lemon 5:45
  • 8 Witnesses of the Decline of the Eternal Boys Land 5:10
  • 9 Silence and Fire 9:23
  • 10 Eckhart 10:46
  • 11 F.T.P. 2:57
  • 12 F.T.M.O. 5:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata