What makes III by Espers notable?

III received positive reviews that highlighted its lush soundscapes and intricate arrangements, further establishing Espers within the psychedelic folk genre. The album's release coincided with a burgeoning interest in folk-influenced music, impacting similar artists and contributing to the revival of the genre during the late 2000s. Released in 2009, III is Espers' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, II. By this time, the band had solidified their signature sound, deeply rooted in folk traditions while expanding into more experimental territories.

How many songs are on III?

III has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this October

III

Espers · 2009

47 min · 10 tracks · psychedelic folk

Ethereal harmonies blend with intricate instrumentation, creating a dreamlike journey through the dark and whimsical corners of psychedelic folk.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Road of Golden Dust — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and layered harmonies that encapsulate the essence of the album's ethereal aesthetic.
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That Which Darkly Thrives — With its slow build and rich instrumental textures, this song exemplifies Espers' ability to weave dark themes into beautifully complex arrangements.
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Meridian — The brevity of this track contrasts with the expansive feel of the album, delivering an intimate moment of reflection that captures the listener's attention.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

III showcases intricate arrangements and ethereal harmonies, marking a solid entry in the psychedelic folk genre.

What we noticed

The first track opens with layered vocal harmonies that gradually introduce various acoustic instruments, creating a rich texture.
The album's final track employs a slow fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of unresolved tension that contrasts with earlier resolutions.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 I Can’t See Clear 4:14
2 The Road of Golden Dust 5:07
3 Caroline 3:22
4 The Pearl 4:49
5 That Which Darkly Thrives 5:14
6 Sightings 5:12
7 Meridian 3:13
8 Another Moon Song 6:03
9 Colony 4:18
10 Trollslända 5:53

What to play next

Go back to

II

2006

Full Espers discography Artists like Espers

psychedelic folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata