Incoherence
Peter Hammill · 2004
41 min · 14 tracks · rock music
A cerebral exploration of language's fragility wrapped in Hammill's signature blend of rock and spoken word.
Top tracks — play these first
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When Language Corrodes — The opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its urgent yet fragmented reflections on communication breakdown, encapsulating Hammill's lyrical prowess.
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Babel — This track serves as a metaphorical commentary on the confusion inherent in human interaction, showcasing Hammill’s ability to weave personal narrative with broader themes.
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Call That a Conversation? — With its biting irony, this song critiques superficial dialogue, embodying the album's central theme while delivering Hammill's signature vocal intensity.
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If Language Explodes — Closing the album, this track poetically confronts the power of language itself, leaving listeners to ponder its role in human connection amidst chaos.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective reflections on language
- short bursts of lyrical exploration
- thought-provoking themes of communication
- contemplative moments for deep thinking
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party atmosphere
- prefer longer immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Incoherence marks Peter Hammill's return to solo work after a three-year hiatus following his 2001 album, The Noise. By 2004, Hammill had already established a prolific career both as a solo artist and as the frontman of Van der Graaf Generator, where he was known for his complex lyricism and emotive performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Van der Graaf Generator· Robert Wyatt· King Crimson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Gone Ahead
The moment shifts from reflective solitude to an urgent plea for clarity in communication, contrasting inward thought with external chaos.
This structural pivot emphasizes the album's exploration of isolation versus connection, highlighting how language can both bridge and divide.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 When Language Corrodes 2:46
- 2 Babel 4:36
- 3 Logodaedalus 2:18
- 4 Like Perfume 1:32
- 5 Your Word 1:09
- 6 Always and a Day 2:08
- 7 Cretans Always Lie 3:25
- 8 All Greek 4:14
- 9 Call That a Conversation? 3:13
- 10 The Meanings Changed 1:57
- 11 Converse 2:09
- 12 Gone Ahead 5:39
- 13 Power of Speech 2:41
- 14 If Language Explodes 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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