Livestock cover

Livestock

Brand X

41 min · 6 tracks · jazz

Intricate jazz fusion compositions are woven together with complex rhythms and improvisational flair, creating a dynamic listening experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nightmare Patrol — This opening track features a compelling blend of complex time signatures and improvisation that sets the tone for the entire album. Its adventurous spirit showcases the band's technical skill and creative exploration.
  • →
    Euthanasia Waltz — This piece stands out with its haunting melodies and rhythmic shifts, highlighting the band's ability to merge lyrical themes with intricate musicality. The track's unique structure exemplifies their innovative fusion style.
  • →
    Isis Mourning, Part 1 — Serving as a centerpiece of the album, this track combines atmospheric elements with energetic improvisation, demonstrating the band's capacity for thematic development within extended forms. Its contrasting dynamics create an engaging auditory journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Intricate compositions and improvisational flair define this jazz fusion album, though its cohesion is less consistent.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases extended instrumental solos, allowing for improvisation that varies significantly from one listen to another.
  • The first three tracks are tightly structured, while the last three explore more ambient soundscapes, creating a contrast in dynamics.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady unfolding sonic exploration
  • intricate rhythms for detail-focused listening
  • immersive experience for attentive minds
  • captivating melodies with gradual resolution

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1977, Livestock is Brand X's third studio album, following their acclaimed release, Unorthodox Behaviour. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity in the jazz fusion genre, showcasing their technical prowess and innovative approach amidst a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Nightmare Patrol 7:56
  • 2 ‐Ish 8:30
  • 3 Euthanasia Waltz 5:26
  • 4 Isis Mourning, Part 1 5:36
  • 5 Isis Mourning, Part 2 4:41
  • 6 Malaga Virgen 9:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata