Mystic Familiar
Dan Deacon · 2020
43 min · 11 tracks · electronic music
A vibrant tapestry of electronic soundscapes intertwines with human emotion, creating a kaleidoscopic auditory experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Become a Mountain — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive sound design and uplifting melody, encapsulating the central themes of transformation and introspection.
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Hypnagogic — At just over a minute long, this brief interlude captures a dreamlike essence that complements the album's narrative flow, acting as a moment of quiet reflection.
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Fell Into the Ocean — This track showcases Deacon’s ability to blend intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity, embodying the emotional weight of the album through its lush production.
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My Friend — With its heartfelt lyrics and rich instrumentation, this song stands out as an anthem of connection and community, embodying Deacon's signature warmth.
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Bumble Bee Crown King — This closing track serves as an expansive culmination of the album’s themes, blending rich textures and motifs that invite listeners into a reflective space.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate layering and seamless transitions create a unique auditory experience within electronic music.
What we noticed
- Each track employs varying layers of synthesizers and rhythmic patterns, often building in complexity before resolving into quieter moments.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- kaleidoscopic auditory exploration
- moments of serene introspection
- reflective afternoon listening sessions
- whimsical soundscapes for daydreaming
- dynamic shifts in pacing
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Mystic Familiar is Dan Deacon's fifth studio album and his first since 2015's Gliss Riffer. At this point in his career, Deacon had established himself as a prominent figure in the electronic music scene, known for his eclectic style and engaging live performances. This album marks a continuation of his exploration into immersive sound while also reflecting personal growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Animal Collective· Four Tet· Tycho
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Become a Mountain 4:05
- 2 Hypnagogic 1:33
- 3 Sat by a Tree 4:26
- 4 Arp I: Wide Eyed 2:07
- 5 Arp II: Float Away 3:42
- 6 Arp III: Far From Shore 4:35
- 7 Arp IV: Any Moment 1:41
- 8 Weeping Birch 4:22
- 9 Fell Into the Ocean 4:31
- 10 My Friend 5:14
- 11 Bumble Bee Crown King 7:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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