Lifeforms
Angels & Airwaves · 2021
37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
Ethereal soundscapes merge with soaring melodies to create a cosmic journey through emotions and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Timebomb Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates the urgency of self-reflection against an explosive backdrop of instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire project.
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Euphoria — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and uplifting message, representing a peak moment of joy amidst the album's exploration of existential themes.
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No More Guns — A poignant commentary on violence and societal issues, this track showcases the band's commitment to addressing pressing topics through their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong production and thematic elements but lacks cohesion in its pacing and flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Timebomb', which sets a fast tempo that is maintained through the first half.
- Tracks like 'No More Guns' and 'Restless Souls' incorporate layered synths and atmospheric guitar effects, creating a dense soundscape.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, with 'A Fire in a Nameless Town' featuring a more introspective tone and sparse instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 mid-tempo reflective journey
- cosmic themes inviting introspection
- uplifting anthems for shared moments
- earworm melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious themes and sound mark a significant artistic evolution for the band.
- Themes
- societal violence commentary· self-reflection urgency
- Career context
- Released on September 24, 2021, 'Lifeforms' is Angels & Airwaves' sixth studio album and their first since 2014's 'The Dream Walker'. At this point, the band had been experimenting with various sounds and concepts, marking a return to their roots in alternative rock while incorporating electronic elements that reflect their evolution over the years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Muse· The 1975· Coheed and Cambria
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Euphoria
The shift from introspective verses to an expansive chorus illustrates a transformative realization about happiness and connection.
Tracklist
- 1 Timebomb Start here 3:58
- 2 Euphoria 4:24
- 3 Spellbound 4:17
- 4 No More Guns 2:40
- 5 Losing My Mind 3:52
- 6 Automatic 3:23
- 7 Restless Souls 3:47
- 8 Rebel Girl 3:46
- 9 A Fire in a Nameless Town 3:33
- 10 Kiss & Tell 4:08
What to play next
The Dream Walker
2014
Continues the ethereal soundscapes and introspective themes from Lifeforms.
Love: Part Two
2011
Sets a foundation with emotional depth and sonic exploration leading into Lifeforms.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
M83
Shares ethereal soundscapes and introspective themes of longing and emotional exploration.
A Deeper Understanding
The War on Drugs
Both create expansive atmospheres with a focus on personal reflection and societal undercurrents.
Every Open Eye
Chvrches
Utilizes soaring melodies and synths to explore self-reflection amidst a vibrant electronic backdrop.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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