What makes Nil by Mouth by Blancmange notable?

Nil by Mouth received positive reviews, with particular praise for its melodic richness and lyrical depth. The album marked a successful comeback for Blancmange, re-establishing them within the contemporary music scene and resonating with both old fans and new listeners alike. Released in 2015, Nil by Mouth is Blancmange's first studio album in over two decades, following their previous album, Blanc Burn, from 1998. This marked a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution while maintaining their signature new wave sound.

Who is Nil by Mouth for?

Nil by Mouth works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, haunting melodies for introspection and rich textures unfold gradually.

How many songs are on Nil by Mouth?

Nil by Mouth has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Nil by Mouth

Blancmange · 2015

45 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A blend of synth-driven melodies and introspective lyrics, creating an ethereal yet grounded sonic landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Eleanor — This opening track sets the tone with its lush synthesizers and contemplative lyrics about personal reflections, encapsulating the album’s overarching themes of nostalgia and introspection.
→
Cistern — With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this track exemplifies Blancmange's ability to blend melancholy with electronic soundscapes, making it a standout moment on the album.
→
Landsea — This concise track showcases the band's knack for creating vivid imagery through minimalist instrumentation, highlighting their lyrical prowess within a brief runtime.
→
So Long Ago — The closing track reflects on the passage of time with a mix of wistfulness and hope, serving as a poignant conclusion to the album's narrative journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric synths with introspective lyrics, creating a solid but not return for the band.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and arrangements.
Several tracks incorporate layered synths that create a rich, atmospheric sound, particularly evident in 'Crystals of Zircon' and 'Matters of Life'.
The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal experiences and emotions, which is prominent in tracks like 'Eleanor' and 'Gone'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

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

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
haunting melodies for introspection
rich textures unfold gradually
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, Nil by Mouth is Blancmange's first studio album in over two decades, following their previous album, Blanc Burn, from 1998. This marked a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution while maintaining their signature new wave sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Soft Cell· Yazoo