What makes Lenses Alien by Cymbals Eat Guitars notable?

Lenses Alien received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its ambitious sound and lyrical depth. The album was included in several year-end lists and helped cement the band's status within the indie rock community, influencing a wave of similar artists exploring intricate arrangements and personal themes. Released as Cymbals Eat Guitars' second album, Lenses Alien followed their acclaimed debut, Why There Are Mountains, which established them in the indie rock scene. By 2011, the band had solidified their identity, experimenting further with soundscapes and lyrical complexity while gaining a dedicated following.

How many songs are on Lenses Alien?

Lenses Alien has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Lenses Alien

Cymbals Eat Guitars · 2011

39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of existential uncertainty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name) — The opening track sets a vivid tone, blending sprawling instrumentation with a narrative about searching for purpose amidst chaos.
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Definite Darkness — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts and haunting lyrics that encapsulate feelings of despair and longing.
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Gary Condit — Named after the controversial politician, this track cleverly intertwines personal narrative with cultural commentary, showcasing the band's lyrical prowess.

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

The album's intricate guitar work and thematic depth create a distinctive sound within the indie rock genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered guitar textures, often creating a dense soundscape that shifts between melodic and dissonant elements.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Definite Darkness,' which transitions from a slow build to an explosive climax.

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 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name) 8:32
2 Shore Points 2:36
3 Keep Me Waiting 3:01
4 Plainclothes 4:13
5 Definite Darkness 4:53
6 Another Tunguska 3:13
7 The Current 2:08
8 Wavelengths 2:55
9 Secret Family 3:29
10 Gary Condit 4:20

What to play next

Listen next

LOSE

2014

Go back to

Why There Are Mountains

2009

Full Cymbals Eat Guitars discography Artists like Cymbals Eat Guitars

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata