Live in St. Petersburg cover

Live in St. Petersburg

Tuxedomoon · 2002

88 min · 16 tracks · new wave

An immersive blend of experimental rock and new wave, layered with haunting melodies and intricate soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Desire — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of yearning melodies and rich textures, making it a standout representation of their emotional depth.
  • →
    Loneliness — With its haunting arrangement and introspective lyrics, this song poignantly explores themes of isolation, resonating throughout the live performance.
  • →
    Nite and Day — The interplay of rhythms and ambient sounds in this track creates a captivating atmosphere that exemplifies Tuxedomoon's innovative approach to live music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album captures Tuxedomoon's atmospheric sound with strong performances but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation, creating a fluid and evolving sound throughout the performance.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumentation, enhancing the atmospheric quality of the music.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks building tension through gradual crescendos while others maintain a more subdued, reflective tone.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive soundscapes for deep listening
  • patient exploration of haunting melodies
  • late-night solitude contemplation
  • cathartic release through layered textures
  • dynamic shifts in emotional intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2002, this live album captures Tuxedomoon as they navigated their post-punk legacy, following their initial breakup in the early 1990s. At this point, the band had reformed, showcasing their evolution while retaining the eclectic style that defined their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
The Residents· Swans· Cabaret Voltaire

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Loneliness

    A transition in vocal delivery shifts from soft reflections to a powerful crescendo that underscores the deep sense of yearning.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 KM/Seeding the Clouds 10:55
  • 2 Desire 6:33
  • 3 Fifth Column 3:18
  • 4 Tritone 3:58
  • 5 James Whale 3:49
  • 6 Again 7:50
  • 7 Nite and Day 8:33
  • 8 Volo Vivace 3:58
  • 9 Loneliness 5:36

Disc 2

  • 1 Nazca 4:53
  • 2 59 to 1 5:39
  • 3 Nazca 2 4:19
  • 4 The Cage 3:45
  • 5 Litebulb Overkill 3:07
  • 6 Waterfront Seat 6:53
  • 7 What Use 5:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata