What makes Madre by Arca notable?

Madre is notable for its critical acclaim and its role in pushing the boundaries of genre, particularly within the realms of experimental and neoperreo music. The EP was recognized for its innovative production techniques and emotional depth, further solidifying Arca's influence on contemporary music and LGBTQ+ representation within the industry. By the time Arca released 'Madre' in January 2021, they had already established themselves as a groundbreaking figure in experimental music, following their acclaimed self-titled album in 2017. This EP came after a period of intense personal exploration and artistic reinvention, marking a significant step in their evolution as an artist unafraid to confront vulnerability.

How many songs are on Madre?

Madre has 4 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Madre

Arca · 2021

32 min · 4 tracks · experimental music

An immersive soundscape that blends avant-garde textures with pulsating rhythms, evoking both intimacy and disorientation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Madre — The title track serves as a powerful opening statement, showcasing Arca's ability to fuse electronics with poignant emotive expression, setting the tone for the entire EP.
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Madreviolo — This track expands on the themes introduced in 'Madre,' layering intricate sound design with haunting vocals that create an atmosphere of introspection and intensity.
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Violo — 'Violo' distills the essence of the EP into a more rhythmic experience, emphasizing Arca's talent for crafting danceable yet avant-garde compositions that challenge listeners' expectations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases innovative sound design and a cohesive exploration of themes, making it distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Madre', introduces a dense soundscape with layered synths and vocal manipulations that create an immersive atmosphere.
Each subsequent track explores variations on the themes established in 'Madre', with 'Madreviolo' incorporating more pronounced rhythmic elements.

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: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Madre pushes genre boundaries, showcasing a deliberate departure from established sound.
Career context: By the time Arca released 'Madre' in January 2021, they had already established themselves as a groundbreaking figure in experimental music, following their acclaimed self-titled album in 2017. This EP came after a period of intense personal exploration and artistic reinvention, marking a significant step in their evolution as an artist unafraid to confront vulnerability.
Stylistic neighbors: FKA twigs· Sophie· Shygirl