Further Vexations cover

Further Vexations

The Black Dog · 2009

68 min · 15 tracks · techno

A cerebral blend of techno and experimental soundscapes that evoke both tension and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    CCTV Nation — This track exemplifies the album's thematic focus on surveillance culture through its eerie rhythms and layers of sound, creating a sense of unease.
  • →
    We Are Haunted — The haunting melodies and atmospheric textures in this track encapsulate the emotional weight present throughout the album, illustrating a deep engagement with memory.
  • →
    Northern Electronic Soul, Part 1 — As an introduction to a trilogy, this track sets a reflective tone that merges melodic elements with rhythmic complexity, establishing a pivotal moment in the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate production and immersive soundscapes create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features long tracks that often evolve gradually, with layers of sound introduced and removed over time.
  • Several tracks utilize field recordings and found sounds, creating an immersive atmosphere that reflects themes of surveillance.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • cerebral soundscapes for introspection
  • patient exploration of themes
  • immersive tracks with varying lengths
  • evocative tension throughout listening
  • background ambiance for focused work

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Further Vexations marked The Black Dog's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus since their previous album, 2004's Music for Adverts. By this point, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers in the techno genre, having previously influenced a generation with their innovative sound. This release reflects their evolution while maintaining their signature complexity and depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Aphex Twin· Squarepusher· B12

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Biomantric L-if-e 5:13
  • 2 0093 4:34
  • 3 Phil: Because Ov, Indeed 0:46
  • 4 You’re Only SQL 4:57
  • 5 We Are Haunted 4:00
  • 6 CCTV Nation 4:59
  • 7 Stempel 4:35
  • 8 Northern Electronic Soul, Part 1 2:53
  • 9 Northern Electronic Soul, Part 2 3:24
  • 10 Northern Electronic Soul, Part 3 4:51
  • 11 Skin Clock 6:03
  • 12 Dada Mindstab 5:10
  • 13 Tunnels Ov Set 5:11
  • 14 Later Vexations 6:24
  • 15 Kissing Someone Else’s D.O.G 5:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata