Open
Stick Men · 2012
59 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
Intricate polyrhythms weave through expansive soundscapes, blending progressive rock with a meditative, exploratory spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Alabaster — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, with its lengthy exploration of melodic themes and rich textural layers that invite deep listening.
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Cyber Shards — A standout piece that merges electronic influences with progressive rock elements, illustrating the band's innovative approach to composition and sound design.
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Glass Heart (For Renée) — This emotionally charged track features a delicate interplay between instruments, capturing a poignant moment that showcases the band's lyrical depth without words.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and cohesive multi-part structures, appealing to fans of progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features three multi-part tracks that explore different themes, with each part flowing seamlessly into the next.
- Several tracks incorporate ambient soundscapes that create a meditative atmosphere, contrasting with the more complex rhythmic sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- intricate polyrhythms for deep focus
- meditative exploration of soundscapes
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- extended tracks for patient listeners
Maybe skip if you
- want concise, radio-friendly tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Open marked Stick Men's third studio album, following their previous work, Soup, from 2010. This period saw the trio further developing their unique blend of instrumental progressive rock, characterized by complex rhythms and improvisational elements, solidifying their distinctive sound within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· The Mars Volta· Dream Theater
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Amino 21 5:57
- 2 Open, Pt. 1 - Plunge 2:18
- 3 Alabaster 12:05
- 4 Open, Pt. 2 - Plow 4:42
- 5 Cyber Shards 12:33
- 6 Open, Pt. 3 - Truncheon 4:13
- 7 Glass Heart (For Renée) 7:28
- 8 Time Capsule 9:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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