If
Glass Hammer · 2010
66 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling journey through intricate melodies and lush arrangements that exemplify the ethos of modern progressive rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beyond, Within Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive instrumentation and thematic depth, showcasing the band's ability to weave complex narratives through music.
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If the Stars — With its lengthy exploration of cosmic themes and intricate musical passages, this track embodies the essence of progressive rock and highlights the band's technical prowess.
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If the Sun — The album's closer offers a reflective conclusion, combining lush soundscapes with poignant lyrics that encapsulate the overarching themes of longing and introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases complex compositions and strong musicianship typical of modern progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with each piece averaging over six minutes, allowing for intricate development of themes.
- Lush keyboard arrangements are prominent throughout, often layered with guitar solos that weave in and out of the melodic structure.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- gradual build to climactic moments
- intricate melodies for focused listening
- expansive soundscapes for deep immersion
- long tracks for patient explorers
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, catchy songs
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a high point in ambition and musicality for the band.
- Career context
- By 2010, Glass Hammer had established themselves within the progressive rock scene with previous albums like 'Culture of Ascent' in 2007. 'If' marked a continuation of their exploration into complex compositions and lyrical depth, showcasing their evolution as a band during a period of renewed creativity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Flower Kings· Spock's Beard· Yes
Tracklist
- 1 Beyond, Within Start here 11:45
- 2 Behold, the Ziddle 9:13
- 3 Grace the Skies 4:31
- 4 At Last We Are 6:52
- 5 If the Stars 10:28
- 6 If the Sun 24:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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