Konkylie cover

Konkylie

When Saints Go Machine · 2011

41 min · 11 tracks · electropop

A mesmerizing blend of ethereal vocals and intricate electronic soundscapes that dance between introspection and vibrant energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Konkylie — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with haunting vocal layers and a hypnotic beat, setting the tone for the entire listening experience.
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    Church and Law — This track blends gospel-inspired harmonies with electronic textures, showcasing the band's ability to meld genres while exploring themes of morality and faith.
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    Parix — With its infectious rhythm and catchy hook, Parix stands out as a danceable anthem that highlights the band's knack for creating memorable melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Konkylie showcases intricate electronic arrangements and strong vocal performances, establishing a unique sound in electropop.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features layered vocal harmonies that gradually build over a pulsing electronic beat, setting a tone of ethereal tension.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Kelly', which shifts from a slow, reflective pace to an upbeat rhythm midway through.
  • The album closes with 'Add Ends', which employs a minimalist arrangement that strips back the instrumentation, creating a stark contrast to earlier tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • ethereal soundscapes for introspection
  • vibrant energy for focused work
  • short tracks with varied moods
  • immersive listening for deep dives

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Konkylie is When Saints Go Machine's debut album, released in 2011, following the band's formation in 2009. The album marked their emergence into the electropop scene, showcasing a distinctive fusion of electronic elements with soulful melodies and paving the way for future projects.
Stylistic neighbors
James Blake· Sohn· FKA twigs

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Whoever Made You Stand So Still

    The song presents a moment of vulnerability, where the perspective shifts to address an unnamed subject directly, revealing deeper emotional layers.

    This direct address adds immediacy to the narrative, contrasting with earlier abstract lyrics and emphasizing personal connection.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Konkylie 4:08
  • 2 Church and Law 4:50
  • 3 Parix 3:30
  • 4 Chestnut 3:31
  • 5 The Same Scissors 4:01
  • 6 Jets 3:11
  • 7 Kelly 3:35
  • 8 On the Move 3:19
  • 9 Whoever Made You Stand So Still 2:58
  • 10 Terminal One 3:21
  • 11 Add Ends 5:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata