What makes Matilda by alt-J notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, particularly for its unique sound that blends art rock and folktronica elements. 'Matilda' solidified Alt-J's position within the indie music scene, earning them a dedicated fanbase and influencing subsequent artists who sought to mix genres with an experimental approach. Alt-J was still in the early stages of their career when 'Matilda' was released as part of their debut album, 'An Awesome Wave', in January 2012. The band had recently gained attention after winning the Barclaycard Mercury Prize in 2012, which marked a significant turning point, catapulting them into the indie music spotlight.

How many songs are on Matilda?

Matilda has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Matilda

alt-J · 2012

7 min · 2 tracks · indie pop

A delicate blend of intricate harmonies and experimental sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Matilda — The title track encapsulates the album's essence through its haunting lyrics and layered instrumentation, beautifully illustrating themes of loss and memory.
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Fitzpleasure — This track stands out with its dynamic shifts and eclectic rhythms, showcasing the band's ability to fuse complex narratives with engaging melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases unique songwriting and production, establishing alt-J's distinct sound early in their career.

What we noticed

The track 'Matilda' features layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere, while 'Fitzpleasure' employs a more aggressive rhythm and contrasting dynamics.
Both tracks utilize unconventional song structures, with shifts in tempo and mood that keep the listener engaged throughout.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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: Breakthrough — Established Alt-J's reputation in the indie music scene.
Themes: childhood nostalgia· loss and memory· intimate storytelling
Career context: Alt-J was still in the early stages of their career when 'Matilda' was released as part of their debut album, 'An Awesome Wave', in January 2012. The band had recently gained attention after winning the Barclaycard Mercury Prize in 2012, which marked a significant turning point, catapulting them into the indie music spotlight.
Stylistic neighbors: Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala