It's Still Like a Secret
El Ten Eleven · 2010
41 min · 12 tracks · post-rock
A dynamic blend of intricate guitar work and pulsating electronic elements creates a captivating soundscape that is both energetic and introspective.
Top tracks — play these first
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Indian Winter — This track features sweeping melodies and layered textures that exemplify El Ten Eleven's signature sound, capturing the essence of their musical experimentation.
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Ian Mackaye Was Right — With its driving rhythm and thought-provoking themes, this track stands out by merging catchy hooks with intricate musicianship, reflecting the band's lyrical depth.
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Anxiety Is Cheap — This song showcases a compelling contrast between serene passages and frenetic energy, illustrating the band’s ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and strong production, making it a notable entry in post-rock.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered guitar melodies that intertwine with electronic beats, creating a rich sonic texture.
- Several tracks utilize dynamic shifts in intensity, moving from quiet introspection to energetic climaxes within the same piece.
- The first half of the album maintains a faster tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative tracks.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- ethereal soundscapes for introspection
- short tracks for quick engagement
- intricate rhythms for detail lovers
- inviting melodies for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'It's Still Like a Secret' was released in 2010, El Ten Eleven had already established themselves within the post-rock genre with their previous albums. This album followed their critically acclaimed 2008 release, 'These Promises Are Being Videotaped', marking a period of artistic exploration as they expanded their sound while maintaining their signature instrumental style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Explosions in the Sky· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· Sigur Rós
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ya No 1:49
- 2 The Sycophants Are Coming! The Sycophants Are Coming! 3:13
- 3 Indian Winter 4:41
- 4 Falling 3:11
- 5 Triangle Face 4:12
- 6 Ian Mackaye Was Right 4:16
- 7 Marriage Is the New Going Steady 3:34
- 8 Cease and Persist 3:45
- 9 Anxiety Is Cheap 4:03
- 10 Settling With Power 3:02
- 11 83 1:58
- 12 Tomorrow Is an Excuse for Today 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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