What makes Microphones in 2020 by The Microphones notable?

The album received widespread acclaim upon release, with NPR labeling it as one of the best albums of 2020. Its introspective themes and innovative structure have influenced a wave of artists exploring similar sonic territories in the indie folk scene. Released on August 7, 2020, Microphones in 2020 is Phil Elverum's first album under The Microphones name in nearly two decades, following a shift in focus to his project Mount Eerie. This record marks a significant return to the experimental folk sound that defined his earlier work, re-establishing his presence within the indie music landscape.

How many songs are on Microphones in 2020?

Microphones in 2020 has 3 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Microphones in 2020

The Microphones · 2020

45 min · 3 tracks · indie rock

A sprawling exploration of memory and self, merging lo-fi intimacy with expansive soundscapes across three interconnected pieces.

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Top tracks — play these first

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First Part of One Long Song — This opening track sets the tone for the album's meditative journey, layering ambient sounds with personal reflections that invite deep contemplation.
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Second Part of One Long Song — As the middle segment, this track deepens the emotional landscape introduced earlier, blending narrative and abstraction while maintaining a cohesive flow.
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Last Part of One Long Song — Closing the trilogy, this piece culminates the exploration of memory and identity, providing a poignant resolution that lingers long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's seamless structure and evolving sound create a deeply immersive experience.

What we noticed

Each track features layered instrumentation that evolves gradually, with shifts in dynamics and texture over time.
The use of lo-fi production techniques gives the vocals an intimate quality, contrasting with the expansive soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

1 First Part of One Long Song 17:07
2 Second Part of One Long Song 12:26

Disc 2

1 Last Part of One Long Song 16:05

What to play next

Go back to

Mount Eerie

2003

Full The Microphones discography Artists like The Microphones

indie folk indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata