Top tracks — play these first
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Tinseltown Swimming in Blood — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and commentary on fame's darker edges, encapsulating the album's surreal yet relatable themes.
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Sky’s Grey — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics that explore themes of uncertainty and nostalgia.
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A Light Travels Down the Catwalk — With its catchy hook and clever wordplay, this song exemplifies Bejar's ability to weave humor into profound observations about life and identity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reflective melodies with surreal lyrics and lush instrumentation, creating a distinctive sound within indie rock.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build on reflective pop melodies, while the second half shifts towards more experimental arrangements.
- Several songs incorporate lush instrumentation with layered synths and brass, creating a rich soundscape that supports the surrealist lyrics.
- 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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- surreal lyrics for curious minds
- consistent flow with satisfying resolutions
- intricate melodies for detail-oriented listeners
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of 'ken' in 2017, Destroyer, led by Dan Bejar, was already an established name in indie rock, having released critically acclaimed albums like 'Kaputt' in 2011. This album followed a period of artistic exploration and marked a continuation of Bejar's unique lyrical style, further solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The New Pornographers· Spoon· Wolf Parade
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Sky’s Grey 4:05
- 2 In the Morning 3:16
- 3 Tinseltown Swimming in Blood 4:46
- 4 Cover From the Sun 2:13
- 5 Saw You at the Hospital 3:30
- 6 A Light Travels Down the Catwalk 3:07
- 7 Rome 5:01
- 8 Sometimes in the World 2:34
- 9 Ivory Coast 4:48
- 10 Stay Lost 2:21
- 11 La Règle du jeu 4:01
Disc 2
- 1 A Light Travels Down the Catwalk (acoustic) 2:42
- 2 Stay Lost (acoustic) 1:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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