What makes Obsidian by Will Wiesenfeld notable?

Obsidian received significant acclaim upon release, noted for its innovative fusion of ambient and electronic elements. It debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard Heatseekers chart, marking a peak in Wiesenfeld's career as an emerging artist. Released in 2013, Obsidian is Baths' sophomore album, following the critically acclaimed debut Cerulean. At this point, Will Wiesenfeld was establishing his distinctive sound within the electronic music scene, blending intricate production with emotional depth.

Obsidian works well if you're into steady mid-tempo immersive flow, intimate moments of reflection and ethereal soundscapes for relaxation.

How many songs are on Obsidian?

Obsidian has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Obsidian

Will Wiesenfeld · 2013

43 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with glitchy beats, creating a haunting yet immersive ambient experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Worsening — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and layered textures, establishing the emotional landscape that unfolds throughout.
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Miasma Sky — This track exemplifies Wiesenfeld's ability to blend intricate electronic beats with lush ambient soundscapes, showcasing his signature style of emotive storytelling through sound.
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No Eyes — With its introspective lyrics and ethereal production, this song highlights Wiesenfeld's exploration of vulnerability and isolation, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Phaedra — Here, the interplay of dissonance and melody embodies the album's thematic exploration of conflict and resolution, making it a pivotal moment in the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and intricate production create a distinctive listening experience within the electronic genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create expansive soundscapes, often underpinned by glitchy percussion.
Tracks frequently employ gradual build-ups and atmospheric transitions, with several pieces exceeding five minutes in length.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

steady mid-tempo immersive flow
intimate moments of reflection
ethereal soundscapes for relaxation
background ambiance for focus

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2013, Obsidian is Baths' sophomore album, following the critically acclaimed debut Cerulean. At this point, Will Wiesenfeld was establishing his distinctive sound within the electronic music scene, blending intricate production with emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Balmorhea· Max Richter· Ólafur Arnalds

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Worsening 4:25
2 Miasma Sky 4:33
3 Ironworks 4:40
4 Ossuary 3:52
5 Incompatible 4:39
6 No Eyes 4:13
7 Phaedra 4:52
8 No Past Lives 3:40
9 Earth Death 4:33
10 Inter 3:49

What to play next

Listen next

Romaplasm

2017

Go back to

Pop Music/False B-Sides

2011

Full Will Wiesenfeld discography Artists like Will Wiesenfeld

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata