Top tracks — play these first
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Anywayz — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its pulsating rhythm and lush synths, immediately drawing listeners into its emotional landscape.
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How Did You Know? — This track showcases Austra's ability to weave intricate melodies with introspective lyrics, exemplifying the album's thematic exploration of vulnerability.
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Messiah — Closing the album, this song encapsulates the overarching themes of longing and self-discovery, featuring powerful vocal delivery that leaves a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of introspective lyrics and innovative production creates a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build on a steady, mid-tempo pulse, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and textures.
- Interlude I and Interlude II serve as brief pauses that create a reflective space between the more substantial tracks.
- Vocals are layered with reverb and echo effects, enhancing the ethereal quality and creating a sense of distance in the sound.
- 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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7/10
- 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
- hauntingly intimate atmospheric textures
- short bursts of reflective emotion
- gentle pacing for quiet moments
- transient interludes enhancing flow
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat dance tracks
- want lengthy, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Hirudin in 2020, Austra was navigating a period of artistic exploration following their 2017 album Future Politics. This album marks their first release after a lengthy hiatus, showcasing a more personal and introspective approach compared to earlier works while still retaining their signature new wave and synth-pop sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Grimes· Bat for Lashes· Phantogram
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How Did You Know?
The moment shifts from questioning doubt to a revelation of personal strength, marking a pivotal transformation in the narrative.
This transition highlights the journey from uncertainty to empowerment, embodying the core message of self-acceptance that permeates the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Anywayz 3:46
- 2 All I Wanted 3:18
- 3 How Did You Know? 4:20
- 4 Your Family 1:42
- 5 Risk It 3:38
- 6 Interlude I 0:28
- 7 It’s Amazing 4:18
- 8 Mountain Baby 3:27
- 9 I Am Not Waiting 4:34
- 10 Interlude II 0:34
- 11 Messiah 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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