Midwest
Mathias Eick · 2015
42 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A fusion of jazz and pop rock, with atmospheric textures that evoke the vastness of the American Midwest.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Midwest — The title track sets the tone for the entire album, introducing Eick's signature trumpet style layered over lush instrumentation that establishes an expansive sonic landscape.
-
→
Lost — This track features haunting melodies and a poignant build-up that captures the essence of longing, showcasing Eick's ability to convey deep emotions through instrumental music.
-
→
Fargo — Named after the city, this piece combines rhythmic complexity with lyrical trumpet lines, embodying the spirit of exploration that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz and pop rock effectively, creating atmospheric textures but lacks broad recognition.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering instruments gradually to create an expansive soundscape.
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with 'At Sea' employing a more fluid, free-form structure compared to the rhythmic precision of 'March'.
- The final track, 'November', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of space and reflection.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- reflective melodies for contemplation
- tranquil soundscapes for relaxation
- subtle progressions that invite reflection
- ideal for evening unwinding
Maybe skip if you
- seeks high-energy excitement
- prefers standalone upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, 'Midwest' is Mathias Eick's third studio album, following 'Skala' (2012). At this point, Eick had established himself as a significant voice in contemporary jazz, blending traditional elements with modern influences. This album showcases his growth as a composer and musician, further solidifying his unique sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nils Frahm· Tord Gustavsen· GoGo Penguin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Midwest 5:11
- 2 Hem 5:14
- 3 March 5:53
- 4 At Sea 4:03
- 5 Dakota 4:55
- 6 Lost 5:43
- 7 Fargo 6:19
- 8 November 5:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.