What makes Fifth Sun by Lycia notable?

Fifth Sun received critical acclaim upon its release, particularly noted for its atmospheric depth and lyrical introspection. The album further solidified Lycia's influence in the darkwave and gothic genres, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners, which contributed to a resurgence of interest in their earlier works. By 2010, Lycia had established themselves within the gothic rock scene, with Fifth Sun being their first release in over a decade. This album followed their 1996 EP, The Burning Circle and Then Dust, marking a significant return to form for the band after years of relative silence.

How many songs are on Fifth Sun?

Fifth Sun has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Fifth Sun

Lycia · 2010

39 min · 8 tracks · gothic rock

Ethereal soundscapes blend with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of gothic rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fifth Sun — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of renewal and transformation through its lush instrumentation and ethereal vocals. It stands out as a centerpiece of the record.
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Cull — Opening with haunting melodies and layered harmonies, this track sets the tone for the entire album, showcasing Lycia's signature blend of beauty and melancholy.
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End Day Again — This song features dynamic shifts in intensity that mirror the emotional landscape of the lyrics, highlighting the band's ability to craft immersive narratives within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Fifth Sun blends ethereal soundscapes with haunting vocals, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within gothic rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent ethereal soundscape with layered synths and reverb-heavy vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
The tempo fluctuates throughout the EP, with tracks like 'Cull' and 'Fifth Sun' maintaining a slower pace, while 'Fall Down in the Sun' introduces a slightly more upbeat rhythm.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric build-up before returning to vocal melodies, enhancing the immersive quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Cull 4:45
2 Fifth Sun 5:25
3 Sky and Sea 5:29
4 Fall Down in the Sun 5:22
5 End Day Again 5:14
6 We Sleep in Winter 5:11
7 North Town 4:37
8 The Dreaming Body 3:43

What to play next

Listen next

Quiet Moments

2013

Go back to

Bleak ~ Vane

2009

Full Lycia discography Artists like Lycia

gothic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata