Gold Shadow
Asaf Avidan · 2015
44 min · 12 tracks · folk music
Haunting melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an evocative tapestry of folk and indie rock influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Over My Head — This track stands out for its powerful vocal delivery and captivating melody, encapsulating Avidan's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.
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Gold Shadow — The title track features a rich arrangement and poignant lyrics that explore themes of loss and longing, making it emblematic of Avidan's introspective style.
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The Jail That Sets You Free — This song showcases intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, reflecting Avidan’s lyrical prowess and ability to engage listeners with thought-provoking content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong songwriting with skilled production, creating an engaging folk experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Avidan's vocal delivery often employs a dynamic range, shifting from soft, intimate moments to powerful crescendos within individual tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle percussion enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night listening
- haunting emotional reflections
- gradual builds and payoffs
- thoughtful journey through lyrics
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Gold Shadow in January 2015, Asaf Avidan had already established himself as a unique voice in folk music, following his breakout success with the album Different Pulses in 2012. This album marked a continuation of his artistic exploration, showcasing his distinctive vocal style and lyrical depth while solidifying his presence on the international stage.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hozier· Ben Howard· Sufjan Stevens
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Tunnels Are Long and Dark These Days
A shift from describing darkness to a glimmer of hope emerges in an unexpected way during the bridge.
This moment cleverly juxtaposes despair with a hint of optimism, illustrating Avidan's skillful navigation between contrasting emotions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Over My Head 2:36
- 2 Ode to My Thalamus 3:38
- 3 The Jail That Sets You Free 3:18
- 4 Little Parcels of an Endless Time 3:25
- 5 My Tunnels Are Long and Dark These Days 4:32
- 6 Gold Shadow 4:30
- 7 Let's Just Call It Fate 3:12
- 8 These Words You Want to Hear 3:27
- 9 A Part of This 3:42
- 10 Bang Bang 3:23
- 11 The Labyrinth Song 4:08
- 12 Fair Haired Traveller 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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