Released 20 years ago this October
Harmony in Ultraviolet
Tim Hecker · 2006
50 min · 15 tracks · electronic music
A dense tapestry of ambient soundscapes enveloped in layers of noise, evoking a dreamlike exploration of sonic textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chimeras — This track encapsulates Hecker's ability to balance delicate melodies with abrasive noise, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere that defines the album.
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Dungeoneering — Serving as a pivotal moment on the album, this track combines rhythmic pulses with swirling drones, showcasing Hecker's skill at crafting immersive sonic landscapes.
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Radio Spiricom — With its haunting ambience and intricate layering, this piece exemplifies Hecker's exploration of communication through sound, reflecting both chaos and serenity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's immersive soundscapes and innovative textures mark it as a significant work in ambient music.
What we noticed
- The album consists of long, evolving tracks that often blend into one another, creating a continuous soundscape.
- Several tracks feature layers of static and noise interspersed with melodic elements, which shift in intensity throughout.
- The use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies creates an unsettling atmosphere that challenges traditional listening expectations.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
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
- immersive soundscapes for deep listening
- wave-like pacing for reflective moments
- haunting melodies evoke introspection
- dynamic ebb and flow experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 2006, Tim Hecker was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the experimental electronic scene, following his breakthrough album 'Mirages' in 2004. 'Harmony in Ultraviolet' marks a critical point in his career where he further defined his style, blending rich soundscapes with chaotic textures that would influence a generation of electronic musicians.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Frost· Oneohtrix Point Never· Kangding Ray
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rainbow Blood 1:52
- 2 Stags, Aircraft, Kings and Secretaries 4:30
- 3 Palimpsest I 0:35
- 4 Chimeras 3:13
- 5 Dungeoneering 5:24
- 6 Palimpsest II 0:38
- 7 Spring Heeled Jack Flies Tonight 3:11
- 8 Harmony in Blue I 1:31
- 9 Harmony in Blue II 1:52
- 10 Harmony in Blue III 2:41
- 11 Harmony in Blue IV 2:02
- 12 Radio Spiricom 4:52
- 13 Whitecaps of White Noise I 7:29
- 14 Whitecaps of White Noise II 5:57
- 15 Blood Rainbow 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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