Released 10 years ago
Material
Blaqk Audio · 2016
43 min · 11 tracks · electronic music
An immersive blend of dark synths and introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric soundscape that beckons listeners to dive deeper.
Top tracks — play these first
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Waiting to Be Told — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and contemplative lyrics, encapsulating the existential themes explored throughout.
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Graphic Violence — This track stands out with its incisive lyrics and driving beat, showcasing the band's ability to blend dark themes with catchy hooks.
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I'm a Mess — A deeply personal song that contrasts vulnerability with an infectious rhythm, illustrating the emotional depth that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines atmospheric soundscapes with engaging melodies, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady, driving tempo, while the second half introduces more ambient and slower pieces.
- Several tracks employ layered synths that create a dense atmosphere, with minimalistic percussion supporting the melodic elements.
- Vocals are often processed with effects, blending into the instrumental backdrop rather than standing out as traditional lead lines.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 contemplation
- haunting atmosphere for introspection
- darkly emotional headphone experience
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 15, 2016, 'Material' is Blaqk Audio's third studio album, following their 2012 record 'Bright Black Heaven'. The duo, comprised of Davey Havok and Jade Puget, continued to explore darker themes and electronic sounds, refining their identity as a staple in the dark wave and synth-pop genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- VNV Nation· Assemblage 23· Depeche Mode
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Will Hate Me
The shift in perspective where the narrator confronts their own flaws directly creates a moment of raw honesty.
This direct address breaks from previous lyrical patterns, emphasizing accountability and self-reflection in a way that deepens the album's thematic complexity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Waiting to Be Told 3:46
- 2 First to Love 3:44
- 3 Ceremonial (Burst Into Stars) 4:29
- 4 Anointed 4:27
- 5 Curious Friends 3:22
- 6 To Be Alone 3:45
- 7 Black at the Center 4:53
- 8 Graphic Violence 4:14
- 9 I'm a Mess 3:39
- 10 Material 3:13
- 11 You Will Hate Me 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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