What makes Fade Out by Loop notable?

Fade Out received critical acclaim upon its release, being praised for its innovative approach to guitar-driven music. It is often noted for influencing the shoegaze genre and has been referenced as a significant work within the alternative rock movement of the late '80s, impacting subsequent artists like My Bloody Valentine. By the time Loop released Fade Out in 1988, they were transitioning from their debut album, Heaven's End, released in 1987. This album marked their deepening immersion into a more expansive and experimental sound, solidifying their position within the burgeoning shoegaze and alternative rock scenes.

How many songs are on Fade Out?

Fade Out has 12 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Fade Out

Loop · 1988

70 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A swirling blend of dense guitar layers and hypnotic rhythms creates a psychedelic soundscape that envelops the listener.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Sun — This opening track sets the tone with its immersive blend of heavy reverb and pulsating rhythms, showcasing Loop's signature sound.
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Fever Knife — The track features a captivating interplay between distorted guitars and propulsive drumming, exemplifying the band's ability to create tension through sonic layers.
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Thief of Fire/Thief (Motherfucker) — This lengthy piece encapsulates the album's experimental nature, merging drone and noise rock elements while maintaining an entrancing momentum.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Loop's 'Fade Out' showcases layered guitars and hypnotic rhythms, marking it as a distinct entry in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The album features dense layers of guitar that create a swirling, immersive sound, particularly evident in tracks like 'Black Sun' and 'Fade Out'.
Several tracks utilize repetitive, hypnotic rhythms that build gradually, such as in 'Pulse' and 'Vision Strain', enhancing the psychedelic atmosphere.
The running time includes extended instrumental sections, with some tracks exceeding five minutes, allowing for exploration within the soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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 Black Sun 5:09
2 This Is Where You End 4:41
3 Fever Knife 5:08
4 Torched 4:37
5 Fade Out 6:46
6 Pulse 4:44
7 Vision Strain 4:26
8 Got to Get It Over 5:23
9 Collision 4:59
10 Crawling Heart 4:06
11 Thief of Fire/Thief (Motherfucker) 9:14
12 Mother Sky 10:45

What to play next

Listen next

A Gilded Eternity

1990

Go back to

Heaven's End

1987

Full Loop discography Artists like Loop

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata