In Cold Blood cover

In Cold Blood

alt-J · 2017

3 min · 1 track · indie pop

Ethereal melodies entwine with intricate rhythms, creating a haunting yet vibrant soundscape that showcases alt-J's distinct artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

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    In Cold Blood — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic depth, showcasing a narrative that intertwines personal and existential reflections delivered through alt-J's distinctive vocal harmonies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The track showcases intricate rhythms and layered vocals, contributing to its distinct sound within indie pop.

What we noticed

  • The track features a dynamic shift in rhythm, alternating between steady beats and syncopated patterns that create tension.
  • Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with the lead voice often accompanied by contrasting backing vocals that enhance the ethereal quality.
  • The song employs a gradual build-up, starting with sparse instrumentation and layering additional elements as it progresses.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — The single showcases alt-J's unique sound but isn't a primary entry point or breakthrough.
Career context
By the time 'In Cold Blood' was released in 2017, alt-J had already established themselves as a unique force in music with two critically acclaimed albums, their debut 'An Awesome Wave' (2012) and the follow-up 'This Is All Yours' (2014). This single marked their continued evolution as they explored more complex arrangements and lyrical themes while maintaining their signature blend of art rock and folktronica.
Stylistic neighbors
Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala

Tracklist

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

  • 1 In Cold Blood 3:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata