Icons, Abstract Thee
of Montreal · 2007
21 min · 5 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and eclectic instrumentation that challenges conventional indie rock boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Du og meg Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Derailments in a Place of Our Own — This track stands out for its intricate layering of sounds and introspective lyrics that highlight Barnes's lyrical dexterity while maintaining a captivating melody.
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Miss Blonde Your Papa Is Failing — The song captures the essence of the album with its infectious rhythm and clever wordplay, showcasing both emotional depth and musical innovation.
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Voltaic Crusher/Undrum to Muted Da — Opening with a frenetic energy, this track exemplifies the album’s playful experimentation with structure and sound, making it a memorable centerpiece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases inventive arrangements and varied instrumentation, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The final track ends with a fading instrumental section that contrasts sharply with the preceding vocal-heavy pieces.
- 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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5/10
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
- whimsical narratives that invite exploration
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- gradual build to reflective conclusion
- playful melodies for lighthearted moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek straightforward, linear experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Features bold experimentation, challenging established indie rock conventions.
- Career context
- Icons, Abstract Thee is of Montreal's sixth studio album, released in early 2007, following their critically acclaimed record Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? This release came during a peak phase for the band, where they were gaining significant attention for their experimental approach to pop music. The album continued to showcase frontman Kevin Barnes's evolving artistic vision and willingness to push sonic limits.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Apples in Stereo· Panda Bear· Tame Impala
Tracklist
- 1 Du og meg Start here 2:21
- 2 Voltaic Crusher/Undrum to Muted Da 2:04
- 3 Derailments in a Place of Our Own 3:03
- 4 Miss Blonde Your Papa Is Failing 3:55
- 5 No Conclusion 9:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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