In the Fishtank 15 cover

In the Fishtank 15

Fennesz · 2009

40 min · 7 tracks · electronic music

A collage of ethereal textures and intricate guitar work encapsulates an immersive soundscape that blurs the lines between ambient and experimental music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Music Box of Snakes — The opening track sets a haunting atmosphere with rich layers of sound that establish the album's thematic depth and sonic complexity.
  • →
    Goodnight Sweetheart — This piece features an emotive interplay of melodic elements and textured noise, showcasing Fennesz's signature blending of digital and organic sounds.
  • →
    NC Bongo Buddy — At over eleven minutes long, this track exemplifies the experimental nature of the album, utilizing rhythmic variation to create evolving sonic landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and seamless flow create a compelling listening experience that rewards exploration.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous flow of sound, with tracks blending into one another without clear breaks.
  • Each track employs layered guitar textures and electronic manipulation, creating a dense, immersive atmosphere.
  • Several pieces utilize unconventional structures, eschewing traditional song forms in favor of evolving soundscapes.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

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

  • ethereal soundscapes for introspection
  • immersive textures for deep focus
  • patient exploration of sonic layers
  • subtle shifts in emotional tone

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer clear song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
In the Fishtank 15 marks Fennesz's collaboration with the Dutch band The Ex, showcasing a new direction in his career following his acclaimed 2001 album, Endless Summer. By 2009, Fennesz had established himself as a key figure in experimental electronic music, and this album continued to push the boundaries of sound manipulation and collaborative creation.
Stylistic neighbors
Ryuichi Sakamoto· Tim Hecker· Alva Noto

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Music Box of Snakes 9:46
  • 2 Goodnight Sweetheart 5:24
  • 3 Shai-Hulud 2:36
  • 4 If My Heart 5:13
  • 5 Mark’s Guitar Piece 4:27
  • 6 NC Bongo Buddy 11:24
  • 7 Christian’s Guitar Piece 1:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata