What makes II by Espers notable?

II received critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers highlighting its ambitious sound and complexity. The album has since influenced a wave of artists in the psychedelic folk genre, contributing to its revival in the mid-2000s and beyond. When Espers released II in January 2006, they were building on the momentum of their self-titled debut from 2004. This album marked a significant step in their exploration of darker themes and more intricate arrangements, solidifying their place in the contemporary folk scene.

How many songs are on II?

II has 7 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

II

Espers · 2006

50 min · 7 tracks · psychedelic folk

Psychedelic folk weaves through haunting melodies and layered harmonies, creating an ethereal soundscape that transports listeners to otherworldly realms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dead Queen — The opening track sets a haunting tone with its intricate guitar work and ethereal vocals, encapsulating the album's blend of darkness and beauty.
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Children of Stone — This track showcases the band's ability to merge traditional folk elements with experimental sounds, creating an immersive listening experience that stands out on the album.
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Cruel Storm — With its dynamic shifts and emotional weight, this song exemplifies the band's lyrical depth and musical evolution, making it a pivotal moment on II.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Espers' II showcases intricate arrangements and a cohesive dark atmosphere, marking it as a standout in psychedelic folk.

What we noticed

The album opens with a haunting vocal harmony that sets a dark tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
Each track features layered instrumentation, often blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental passages, allowing the music to develop slowly before returning to vocal sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dead Queen 8:13
2 Dead King 8:02
3 Children of Stone 8:54
4 Moon Occults the Sun 6:47
5 Cruel Storm 5:17
6 Mansfield and Cyclops 5:57
7 Widow’s Weed 6:51

What to play next

Listen next

III

2009

Go back to

The Weed Tree

2005

Full Espers discography Artists like Espers

psychedelic folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata