What makes Leaving by Skrillex notable?

Leaving received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and was significant in influencing the direction of electronic music post-2010s. It showcased Skrillex's versatility by incorporating elements from various genres, contributing to his reputation for pushing boundaries within the EDM scene. The EP's tracks gained substantial airplay in clubs and festivals, further solidifying his impact on dance music culture. Released on January 2, 2013, Leaving was Skrillex's first EP after his Grammy-winning success in 2012. At this point, he was established as a leading figure in electronic music, following the breakthrough of his debut studio album, Bangarang. This EP marked a continuation of his innovative sound while exploring new musical themes.

How many songs are on Leaving?

Leaving has 3 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Leaving

Skrillex · 2013

12 min · 3 tracks · electronic dance music

A collision of frenetic energy and melodic depth, blending UK garage rhythms with emotive electronic textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Reason — This track stands out for its blend of haunting melodies and intricate beats that encapsulate Skrillex's emotional depth and production prowess.
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Scary Bolly Dub — Incorporating dub influences, this track reflects Skrillex's ability to merge genres while maintaining a danceable rhythm, showcasing his signature sound.
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Leaving — The title track conveys a profound narrative through its atmospheric build-up and dynamic drops, illustrating Skrillex's knack for storytelling through sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong compositional elements and distinct sound design while maintaining a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

The EP features three tracks, each varying in tempo and energy, with 'Scary Bolly Dub' incorporating a heavy bass drop that contrasts with the melodic elements of the other two.
Each track employs intricate layering of synths and beats, creating a dense soundscape that evolves throughout their duration.
The final track, 'Leaving', introduces a more introspective tone, slowing down the pace and allowing for a gradual fade-out.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases bold experimentation and influences the direction of electronic music.
Themes: dance floor catharsis· emotive electronic textures· post-EDM introspection
Career context: Released on January 2, 2013, Leaving was Skrillex's first EP after his Grammy-winning success in 2012. At this point, he was established as a leading figure in electronic music, following the breakthrough of his debut studio album, Bangarang. This EP marked a continuation of his innovative sound while exploring new musical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Excision· Zeds Dead· Bassnectar

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Reason

The lyrics shift from introspection to a declaration of emotional resolve.

This transition emphasizes personal growth, marking a pivotal change in tone that enriches the album's thematic complexity.