Ghettoville cover

Ghettoville

Actress · 2014

69 min · 16 tracks · electronic music

A haunting exploration of urban soundscapes woven through abstract rhythms and dissonant textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Forgiven — The opening track sets a meditative tone, blending atmospheric sound design with rhythmic elements that encapsulate the album's exploration of urban isolation.
  • →
    Street Corp. — This track features fragmented beats and eerie textures that evoke a sense of dislocation, making it a prime example of Actress’s ability to create immersive soundscapes.
  • →
    Time — With its pulsating rhythm and layered samples, this track highlights the tension between movement and stillness, embodying the thematic core of Ghettoville.
  • →
    Frontline — The closing track offers a reflective culmination, juxtaposing noise and melody that linger long after the album ends, emphasizing its overarching narrative of urban decay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
75 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Ghettoville's immersive soundscapes and abstract approach create a distinctive and cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dissonant textures and abstract rhythms, creating a sense of unease throughout its duration.
  • Several tracks utilize field recordings and urban sounds, enhancing the thematic exploration of decay and desolation.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • haunting urban soundscapes
  • fragmented rhythms and textures
  • immersive headphone journeys
  • unsettling yet captivating atmosphere

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
When Ghettoville was released in January 2014, Actress was at a pivotal point following his critically acclaimed 2012 album, R.I.P. This work marked a continuation of his experimental approach while delving deeper into the themes of decay and urban life, solidifying his status as an innovator in electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors
Burial· Arca· Oneohtrix Point Never

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Forgiven 7:22
  • 2 Street Corp. 5:32
  • 3 Corner 4:21
  • 4 Rims 5:51
  • 5 Contagious 4:44
  • 6 Birdcage 2:34
  • 7 Our 2:32
  • 8 Time 6:03
  • 9 Towers 3:27
  • 10 Gaze 5:03
  • 11 Skyline 5:52
  • 12 Image 2:29
  • 13 Don't 1:16
  • 14 Rap 2:40
  • 15 Frontline 5:47
  • 16 Rule 3:41

What to play next

AZD
Listen next

AZD

2017
R.I.P.
Go back to

R.I.P.

2012
Full Actress discography Artists like Actress

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata