Hallucinogen
Kelela · 2015
23 min · 6 tracks · electronic music
A fusion of ethereal vocals and experimental beats creates a haunting exploration of love and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gomenasai — This track showcases Kelela's ability to blend vulnerability with assertive lyrics, creating a compelling narrative about regret and reconciliation.
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Rewind — With its infectious beat and introspective lyrics, Rewind exemplifies the EP's themes of nostalgia and longing while highlighting Kelela's vocal prowess.
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All the Way Down — The song's atmospheric production and emotional delivery encapsulate the essence of the EP, drawing listeners into Kelela's intricate world of feelings.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kelela's debut EP blends experimental beats with ethereal vocals, establishing her unique sound in electronic music.
What we noticed
- The first track features spoken word elements layered over ambient synths, setting a reflective tone for the EP.
- Tracks like 'Gomenasai' and 'Rewind' incorporate complex rhythmic patterns that challenge conventional song structures.
- The final track, 'The High', gradually fades out with minimal instrumentation, creating an ethereal conclusion.
- 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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8/10
- 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
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 exploration of identity
- brief, impactful listening sessions
- ethereal vocals for introspection
- emotional depth in short tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer longer album experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2015, Hallucinogen is Kelela's debut EP, following her contributions to the scene through collaborations and features. This release marked her emergence as a vital voice in alternative R&B and electronic music, showcasing her innovative sound and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- FKA twigs· Janelle Monáe· SZA
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Message 3:51
- 2 Gomenasai 3:28
- 3 Rewind 3:58
- 4 All the Way Down 4:28
- 5 Hallucinogen 2:20
- 6 The High 5:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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