Released 10 years ago
Innocence Reaches
of Montreal · 2016
56 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of synth-pop and indie rock brimming with whimsical narratives and vibrant melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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let’s relate Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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it’s different for girls — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and insightful commentary on gender dynamics, encapsulating the album's playful yet critical approach to social issues.
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gratuitous abysses — With its lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this song beautifully illustrates the tension between joy and melancholy that permeates the album.
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chaos arpeggiating — The experimental nature of this track showcases of Montreal's willingness to push boundaries, blending complex rhythms with infectious melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered synths and a steady beat, immediately establishing a vibrant sonic atmosphere.
- The lyrics often employ surreal imagery and whimsical narratives, which are complemented by the eclectic instrumentation throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- whimsical melodies for joyful exploration
- introspective moments for deep thought
- wave-like pacing for reflective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album features a kaleidoscopic blend, showcasing a departure from earlier sounds.
- Career context
- Innocence Reaches is of Montreal's thirteenth studio album, released during a prolific period for the band. Following the critically acclaimed Aureate Gloom in 2015, this album continues to explore the band's eclectic sound while marking a shift towards more introspective themes in their songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Apples in Stereo· Panda Bear· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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let’s relate
The narrator shifts from personal reflection to addressing collective experiences, creating a bridge between individual and shared emotions.
Tracklist
- 1 let’s relate Start here 3:53
- 2 it’s different for girls 3:59
- 3 gratuitous abysses 4:12
- 4 my fair lady 4:25
- 5 les chants de maldoror 6:04
- 6 a sport and a pastime 4:33
- 7 ambassador bridge 3:38
- 8 def pacts 5:03
- 9 chaos arpeggiating 5:55
- 10 nursing slopes 4:17
- 11 trashed exes 4:16
- 12 chap pilot 6:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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