III cover

Released 10 years ago

III

Moderat · 2016

42 min · 9 tracks · electronica

A mesmerizing blend of textured beats and haunting melodies that envelops the listener in an atmospheric soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Eating Hooks — The opening track sets the tone with its intricate layers and ethereal vocals, introducing listeners to the album's immersive sonic world.
  • →
    Running — This track features pulsating rhythms paired with emotive lyrics, showcasing Moderat's ability to merge danceable beats with introspective themes.
  • →
    Ghostmother — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this track encapsulates the emotional weight present throughout the album, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate production and atmospheric cohesion highlight its strength in the electronica genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create a rich, immersive soundscape throughout its nine tracks.
  • Each track typically builds gradually, often starting with minimal elements before introducing more complex rhythms and textures.
  • Several tracks incorporate vocal samples that are treated as instrumental elements rather than traditional lyrics, blending seamlessly into the overall atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • hypnotic textures for introspection
  • euphoric moments of release
  • background warmth for focus

Maybe skip if you

  • need for instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2016, III marked Moderat's third studio album, following their acclaimed second album II from 2013. This release solidified their position as a leading force in the electronica scene, showcasing a refined sound that builds on their earlier work while exploring new emotional depths.
Stylistic neighbors
Apparat· Nils Frahm· Kiasmos

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Reminder

    A pivotal moment where the song shifts from reflective internal dialogue to a direct address of an unnamed figure, intensifying the personal stakes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Eating Hooks 4:31
  • 2 Running 3:51
  • 3 Finder 5:19
  • 4 Ghostmother 5:57
  • 5 Reminder 3:54
  • 6 The Fool 4:12
  • 7 Intruder 4:38
  • 8 Animal Trails 4:38
  • 9 Ethereal 5:28

What to play next

III (Instrumentals)
Listen next

III (Instrumentals)

2016
II
Go back to

II

2013
Full Moderat discography Artists like Moderat
electronica

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata