What makes Inter.funda.stifle by Fair to Midland notable?

Inter.funda.stifle received critical acclaim for its ambitious sound and intricate compositions, helping to establish Fair to Midland as a significant player in the progressive metal genre. The album garnered a cult following and was influential in shaping the sound of contemporary progressive rock and metal bands that followed. Released in 2004, Inter.funda.stifle was Fair to Midland's debut album, marking their entrance into the progressive metal scene. Prior to this release, they had built a local following in Texas but had not yet gained national recognition. This album laid the groundwork for their subsequent releases and artistic evolution.

How many songs are on Inter.funda.stifle?

Inter.funda.stifle has 15 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Inter.funda.stifle

Fair to Midland · 2004

53 min · 15 tracks · progressive metal

Progressive metal intricacies intertwine with eclectic melodies, creating a surreal auditory experience that defies conventional genre boundaries.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Dance of the Manatee — This track showcases the band's unique blend of heavy instrumentation and melodic hooks, encapsulating their progressive metal style while remaining accessible.
→
Orphan Anthem '86 — A standout track that combines poignant lyrics with complex rhythms, illustrating the band’s skill in crafting emotionally resonant narratives within challenging musical structures.
→
The Walls of Jericho — This song features dynamic shifts between aggressive passages and serene interludes, highlighting the band's versatility and ability to create tension and release.
→
Upgrade^Brigade — With its catchy chorus and intricate guitar work, this track exemplifies how Fair to Midland merges lyrical depth with engaging musicality, making it memorable.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and diverse influences but lacks some cohesion in its lengthy tracklist.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional instruments, such as strings and brass, which enhance the eclectic sound palette.
The final track, 'Quince', serves as an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Preambles in 3rd Person 1:49
2 Dance of the Manatee 4:21
3 Vice/Versa 4:33
4 Cipieron 1:38
5 A Seafarer's Knot 4:01
6 Orphan Anthem '86 5:00
7 Inter.Mission 1:57
8 Granny Niblo 5:08
9 The Walls of Jericho 4:04
10 Abigail 2:09
11 Timbuktu 4:07
12 Kyla Cries Cologne 3:22
13 Upgrade^Brigade 3:47
14 When the Bough Breaks 1:19
15 Quince 6:03

What to play next

Listen next

Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True

2007

Go back to

The Carbon Copy Silver Lining

2002

Full Fair to Midland discography Artists like Fair to Midland

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata