What makes Jiaolong by Dan Snaith notable?

Jiaolong received widespread acclaim, appearing on multiple year-end lists and solidifying Snaith's influence in the electronic music scene. Its innovative blend of genres helped reframe expectations for deep house and electronic music in the early 2010s, contributing to his reputation as a versatile producer. When Dan Snaith released Jiaolong in 2012, he was transitioning from his critically acclaimed project Caribou to a more dance-oriented sound under the Daphni moniker. This album marked his first full-length release as Daphni, following the EP 'Jiaolong' which introduced listeners to this new direction.

Jiaolong works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, layered, dense sonic textures and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Jiaolong?

Jiaolong has 9 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Released 14 years ago this October

Jiaolong

Dan Snaith · 2012

47 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant blend of house beats and intricate melodies that evokes a dreamlike dancefloor atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Yes, I Know — This opening track sets the tone with a hypnotic rhythm and lush soundscapes, encapsulating Snaith's unique approach to dance music.
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Ne Noya (Daphni mix) — The track showcases Snaith's ability to weave complex textures and infectious grooves, making it a standout for both casual listeners and dedicated fans.
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Ahora — With its driving beat and intricate percussion, this track exemplifies the album's fusion of traditional electronic elements with modern dance sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Jiaolong blends intricate melodies with house beats, showcasing Snaith's skill in crafting engaging electronic music.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths and rhythmic percussion, creating a textured soundscape that evolves throughout each track.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Ahora', which transitions from a steady beat to a more frenetic pace.
The final track, 'Long', gradually fades out with minimalistic elements, allowing the listener to experience a sense of closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures
dynamic emotional journeys
hypnotic rhythmic grooves

Where this album fits

Career context: When Dan Snaith released Jiaolong in 2012, he was transitioning from his critically acclaimed project Caribou to a more dance-oriented sound under the Daphni moniker. This album marked his first full-length release as Daphni, following the EP 'Jiaolong' which introduced listeners to this new direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Four Tet· Tycho· Bonobo