Interiors cover

Interiors

Quicksand · 2017

41 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal

A raw exploration of emotion, blending heavy riffs with introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts that capture an evolving inner landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Illuminant — The opening track establishes the album's tone with its atmospheric build-up and stark lyrical themes, setting the stage for the emotional journey ahead.
  • →
    Under the Screw — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with driving rhythms and intense vocals, addressing themes of pressure and resilience within a harsh environment.
  • →
    Cosmonauts — With its expansive soundscape and contemplative lyrics, this track reflects on isolation and connection, capturing the essence of personal struggle amidst broader existential questions.
  • →
    Sick Mind — The raw honesty in this track's lyrics paired with its aggressive instrumentation highlights the internal conflicts that define much of the album’s narrative.

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 blends heavy riffs with introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts, showcasing Quicksand's evolution while maintaining their distinct sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a heavy, distorted riff that sets a raw tone, followed by dynamic shifts in intensity across the first three tracks.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Under the Screw', which transitions from a slow build to an aggressive climax.
  • The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with vocal delivery varying from melodic singing to intense shouting, particularly in 'Sick Mind'.
  • The last track, 'Normal Love', concludes with a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of resolution after the preceding emotional turbulence.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting atmosphere with introspection
  • dynamic shifts in emotional weight
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • cathartic moments of release

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat and fast tempos

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2017, 'Interiors' marks Quicksand's first album in over two decades since their 1999 release 'Manic Compression'. The band returned after a period of hiatus during which they redefined their sound and lineup, showcasing a matured perspective while remaining true to their post-hardcore roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Helmet· Fugazi· Deftones

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Illuminant 3:53
  • 2 Under the Screw 2:56
  • 3 Warm and Low 3:48
  • 4 > 0:47
  • 5 Cosmonauts 4:08
  • 6 Interiors 4:58
  • 7 Hyperion 4:34
  • 8 Fire This Time 3:22
  • 9 Feels Like a Weight Has Been Lifted 3:35
  • 10 >> 1:36
  • 11 Sick Mind 3:13
  • 12 Normal Love 4:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata