Is Monsters Exist a good place to start with Orbital?

Yes, Monsters Exist is recommended as a starting point for new Orbital listeners. A vibrant blend of techno beats and atmospheric soundscapes that explore the interplay between light and dark. Released in 2018, Monsters Exist marks Orbital's first studio album since 2012's Wonky, revitalizing their sound after a six-year hiatus. The duo, consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, returned to the electronic scene with renewed energy, bringing their iconic style into a contemporary context while maintaining their roots in classic rave culture.

Who is Monsters Exist for?

Monsters Exist works well if you're into dynamic journey with rhythmic peaks, vibrant soundscapes for exploration and engaging background for creative tasks.

How many songs are on Monsters Exist?

Monsters Exist has 9 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Monsters Exist

Orbital · 2018

50 min · 9 tracks · electronica

A vibrant blend of techno beats and atmospheric soundscapes that explore the interplay between light and dark.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Monsters Exist Start here — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of existential exploration and features a dynamic mix of pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies.
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Tiny Foldable Cities — This track combines intricate layers of synths with a driving beat, representing Orbital's signature ability to create immersive auditory experiences that feel expansive yet intimate.
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There Will Come a Time — With its contemplative mood and lush soundscapes, this track reflects on themes of change and hope, standing out as a poignant moment within the album's arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong atmospheric composition and production, though it doesn't fully redefine the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create rich, atmospheric soundscapes throughout its nine tracks.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, particularly with the transition from 'Hoo Hoo Ha Ha' to 'The Raid'.
The closing track, 'There Will Come a Time', gradually fades out with minimalistic elements, contrasting with the more energetic earlier pieces.

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

Influence 4/10

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

dynamic journey with rhythmic peaks
vibrant soundscapes for exploration
engaging background for creative tasks
immersive experience for introspection

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes Orbital's sound after a hiatus, showcasing continued creativity.
Career context: Released in 2018, Monsters Exist marks Orbital's first studio album since 2012's Wonky, revitalizing their sound after a six-year hiatus. The duo, consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, returned to the electronic scene with renewed energy, bringing their iconic style into a contemporary context while maintaining their roots in classic rave culture.
Stylistic neighbors: The Chemical Brothers· Underworld· Leftfield