In a Bar, Under the Sea cover

Released 30 years ago

In a Bar, Under the Sea

Deus · 1996

60 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

An eclectic blend of art rock and alternative sounds, seamlessly merging intricate melodies with introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fell Off the Floor, Man — This track showcases the band's intricate instrumentation and dynamic shifts, embodying the album's overall mood of introspection combined with exuberance.
  • →
    Gimme the Heat — With its infectious groove and sharp lyrics, this track stands out for its catchy chorus and energetic arrangement that exemplifies Deus's distinctive style.
  • →
    Supermarketsong — This brief but poignant track encapsulates the essence of everyday life through its clever lyricism and minimalist arrangement, highlighting the band's storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases eclectic songwriting and varied instrumentation but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Several songs utilize unconventional song structures, such as 'Gimme the Heat,' which lacks a traditional chorus.
  • The instrumentation varies significantly between tracks, with some featuring orchestral elements while others rely on minimalist guitar and percussion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • whimsical soundscapes for exploration
  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • short tracks for varied engagement
  • playful experimentation with structure

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song formats
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
In a Bar, Under the Sea marked Deus's second studio album, following their debut, Worst Case Scenario, released in 1994. By this point, the band was refining its unique sound, gaining attention in the European alternative scene, and expanding its artistic exploration.
Stylistic neighbors
The National· Interpol· Radiohead

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I Don't Mind Whatever Happens 0:46
  • 2 Fell Off the Floor, Man 5:13
  • 3 Opening Night 1:38
  • 4 Theme From Turnpike 5:46
  • 5 Little Arithmetics 4:30
  • 6 Gimme the Heat 7:38
  • 7 Serpentine 3:17
  • 8 A Shocking Lack Thereof 5:52
  • 9 Supermarketsong 1:56
  • 10 Memory of a Festival 1:52
  • 11 Guilty Pleasures 4:23
  • 12 Nine Threads 3:34
  • 13 Disappointed in the Sun 6:03
  • 14 Roses 4:57
  • 15 Wake Me Up Before I Sleep 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata