Narrow
Soap&Skin · 2012
29 min · 8 tracks · experimental music
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere steeped in introspection and vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vater — Opening the album with a powerful blend of piano and haunting vocals, this track sets a reflective tone that resonates throughout the record.
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Deathmental — This track showcases Soap&Skin's unique ability to merge electronic elements with raw emotion, creating a stark contrast that defines much of the album's mood.
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Boat Turns Toward the Port — With its minimalist arrangement and poignant lyrics, this song encapsulates the themes of longing and introspection that permeate 'Narrow'.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's atmospheric production and unique vocal layering create a distinct sound that rewards repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a sparse piano arrangement in 'Vater', which sets a somber tone that persists throughout.
- Tracks often feature layered vocals that create a haunting effect, with melodies that frequently resolve in unexpected ways.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings and ambient sounds, enhancing the ethereal quality of the music.
- The pacing is deliberate, with many songs extending beyond five minutes, allowing for gradual development and emotional build-up.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- ethereal textures for introspection
- gradual build to emotional resolution
- fragile yet powerful sonic landscape
- for quiet evening reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- At the time of its release in 2012, 'Narrow' was Soap&Skin's second studio album, following her debut 'Lovetune for Vacuum' from 2009. This album marked a significant evolution in her sound, showcasing a deeper exploration into themes of loss and identity while solidifying her place within the experimental music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aldous Harding· FKA twigs· Anna von Hausswolff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vater 5:38
- 2 Voyage Voyage 5:16
- 3 Deathmental 4:47
- 4 Cradlesong 2:14
- 5 Wonder 3:14
- 6 Lost 1:58
- 7 Boat Turns Toward the Port 3:03
- 8 Big Hand Nails Down 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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