Mesmerized by the Sirens cover

Mesmerized by the Sirens

Black Tape for a Blue Girl · 1987

43 min · 10 tracks · dark wave

Ethereal melodies entwine with haunting vocals, creating a darkly atmospheric soundscape that captivates and mesmerizes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Teardrop Left Behind — This track exemplifies the album's blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to evoke deep emotional resonance.
  • →
    Mesmerized by the Sirens — The title track encapsulates the album's haunting atmosphere and lyrical depth, offering a perfect synthesis of sound and thematic exploration.
  • →
    Scream, My Shallow — With its extended runtime and layered instrumentation, this track allows for an immersive listening experience that highlights the band's artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's atmospheric sound and vocal layering create a distinctive dark wave experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, ethereal track that sets a haunting tone, followed by a gradual build in intensity through the first half.
  • Vocals are layered and often harmonized, creating a rich texture that complements the atmospheric instrumentation.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as moving from soft, whisper-like passages to more forceful crescendos.
  • The final track concludes with an extended instrumental outro that fades out slowly, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting atmospheres for introspection
  • melancholic soundscapes for solitude
  • emotional depth in quiet moments
  • short tracks for reflective pauses
  • cathartic releases of tension

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party vibes
  • prefer clear, punchy rhythms

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1987, Mesmerized by the Sirens is Black Tape for a Blue Girl's debut album. At this point in their career, the band was establishing themselves within the burgeoning dark wave scene, drawing on influences from gothic rock and ambient music. Their unique sound was marked by ethereal production techniques and introspective lyrics, setting the stage for their subsequent explorations of darker themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Lycia· This Mortal Coil· Cocteau Twins
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Tracklist

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

  • 1 Jamais pars 2:10
  • 2 A Teardrop Left Behind 6:54
  • 3 Dark Skinned and Inviting 2:19
  • 4 Lie Broken, Bleeding 3:10
  • 5 Hairline Sunlight 1:16
  • 6 With a Million Tears 5:57
  • 7 The Sawdust Scatter 2:42
  • 8 Beneath the Planks 4:35
  • 9 Scream, My Shallow 8:23
  • 10 Mesmerized by the Sirens 5:50

What to play next

Ashes in the Brittle Air
Listen next

Ashes in the Brittle Air

1989
Before the Buildings Fell
Go back to

Before the Buildings Fell

1986
Full Black Tape for a Blue Girl discography Where to start with Black Tape for a Blue Girl Artists like Black Tape for a Blue Girl
dark wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata