Monument
Portico Quartet · 2021
44 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A meditative blend of jazz textures and electronic landscapes creating an expansive sonic journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Opening Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Ultraviolet — This track features intricate layers of sound that showcase the band's unique craftsmanship, blending acoustic instrumentation with synthesized elements for a vibrant auditory experience.
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Monument — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and space, weaving together a haunting melody with rich harmonic textures that invite deep listening.
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Warm Data — This longer piece allows for exploration of atmosphere and improvisation, illustrating how the band intertwines structure with freedom, making it a highlight of their artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalMonument offers a rich blend of textures and evolving motifs, creating an immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a gradual build, layering ambient textures that set a meditative tone for the following tracks.
- Each track features a distinct sonic palette, often blending acoustic instruments with electronic elements to create expansive soundscapes.
- Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs that evolve over time, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the subtle changes and nuances.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- gradual build to resolution
- immersive auditory experience
- background warmth for contemplation
- reflective moments of exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- preferring upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a five-year hiatus, blending genres innovatively.
- Career context
- Released in 2021, Monument is Portico Quartet's fifth studio album and marks their return after a five-year hiatus since their previous record, Art in the Age of Automation. This album sees the band further exploring their fusion of acoustic and electronic elements, refining their sound while maintaining their distinctive jazz roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- GoGo Penguin· Snarky Puppy· Nils Frahm
Tracklist
- 1 Opening Start here 2:51
- 2 Impressions 3:44
- 3 Ultraviolet 5:12
- 4 Ever Present 4:48
- 5 Gateway 1:14
- 6 Monument 4:40
- 7 A.O.E 5:35
- 8 Warm Data 8:16
- 9 Portal 1:09
- 10 On the Light 6:30
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
A Humdrum Star
GoGo Penguin
Merges acoustic jazz with electronic textures, creating a similarly expansive and meditative sound.
Spaces
Nils Frahm
Explores ambient soundscapes with a blend of acoustic and electronic elements, fostering deep introspection.
IV
BadBadNotGood
Combines jazz improvisation with electronic influences, producing an atmospheric journey akin to Monument's vibe.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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