Intergalactic Beings
Nicole Mitchell · 2014
60 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A cosmic exploration of sound where improvisation intertwines with structured compositions, creating a vibrant tapestry of jazz innovation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Phases of Subduction — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album, combining complex rhythms with ethereal textures that invite listeners into Mitchell's conceptual world. Its length allows for an expansive exploration of motifs that recur throughout the record.
-
→
Negotiating Identity — In this track, Mitchell intricately weaves personal narrative with broader cultural themes, making a compelling statement about self-definition through sound. The interplay among instruments reflects the negotiation process itself.
-
→
Web of Hope — At just under three minutes, this brief yet impactful piece encapsulates the album's overarching theme of interconnectedness and possibility, using airy melodic lines to evoke feelings of optimism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases innovative compositions and strong improvisation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections that often stretch beyond five minutes, allowing musicians to explore themes organically.
- Each track is built around a central motif that is revisited and transformed throughout, creating a sense of continuity.
- The instrumentation varies significantly between tracks, with some featuring solo woodwind passages while others incorporate a full ensemble sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
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 exploration of abstract themes
- wave-like pacing with immersive flow
- thought-provoking late-night listening
- vibrant improvisation for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Intergalactic Beings' was released in 2014, Nicole Mitchell was already establishing herself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album followed her acclaimed works and marked a continued evolution of her artistic vision, showcasing her unique blend of improvisation and conceptual depth after her previous release, 'Mandorla Awakening II: Emerging Worlds'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Threadgill· David Murray· Roscoe Mitchell
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Phases of Subduction 10:21
- 2 Cycle of Metamorphosis 5:31
- 3 The Ooli Moves 8:06
- 4 Dripping Matter 3:59
- 5 Negotiating Identity 7:44
- 6 Web of Hope 2:50
- 7 Fields of Possibility 5:50
- 8 Resisting Entanglement 6:19
- 9 The Inevitable 9:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.