Force the Hand of Chance cover

Force the Hand of Chance

Psychic TV · 1982

75 min · 13 tracks · techno

Psychedelic textures merge with driving beats, creating an immersive soundscape that navigates between ethereal and mechanical realms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Just Drifting (For Caresse) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Terminus-xtul — Stretching over thirteen minutes, this track exemplifies the album's fusion of hypnotic rhythms and abstract soundscapes, representing Psychic TV's experimental ethos.
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    Guiltless — With its driving beat and layered textures, this track captures the essence of the album's darker undertones while showcasing the band's innovative production techniques.
  • →
    Message From Thee Temple — This track stands out for its haunting vocal delivery interwoven with intricate electronic elements, encapsulating the spiritual themes prevalent throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and innovative blend of styles mark it as a significant work in electronic music.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs and layered textures, allowing the listener to immerse in the evolving sonic landscape.
  • The sequencing includes both shorter pieces and longer explorations, with some tracks transitioning seamlessly into one another.
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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing for exploration
  • hypnotic rhythms for deep listening
  • dynamic soundscapes inviting immersion
  • two-halves encouraging reflective breaks
  • short tracks for varied experiences

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — This album represents a significant departure in sound and approach for the artist.
Themes
spiritual exploration· hypnotic rhythms· mechanical landscapes
Career context
Released in 1982, Force the Hand of Chance was Psychic TV's second album, following their debut, Force the Hand of Chance. This period marked a significant evolution in their sound as they began to incorporate more structured electronic elements alongside their experimental roots, positioning them at the forefront of the burgeoning techno scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Aphex Twin· The Black Dog· Boards of Canada

Tracklist

  • 1 Just Drifting (For Caresse) Start here 3:40
  • 2 Terminus-xtul 13:19
  • 3 Stolen Kisses 3:50
  • 4 Caresse 2:13
  • 5 Guiltless 8:47
  • 6 No Go Go 3:47
  • 7 Ov Power (radio promo mix) 6:21
  • 8 Message From Thee Temple 5:02
  • 9 Thee Full Pack (For Bachir Attar) 13:41
  • 10 Catalan 7:16
  • 11 Just Drifting (Midnight) 3:48
  • 12 Bubbles 1:59
  • 13 [untitled] 2:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata