Paralytic Stalks
of Montreal · 2012
57 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic pop and introspective lyrics that navigates themes of anxiety and existential dread.
Top tracks — play these first
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We Will Commit Wolf Murder — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of violence and self-destruction through its haunting melodies and unsettling lyrics, serving as a centerpiece that defines the overall mood.
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Exorcismic Breeding Knife — The sprawling length and dynamic shifts within this song highlight of Montreal's experimental tendencies, blending disparate musical elements to create a disorienting yet captivating experience.
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Gelid Ascent Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a tone of emotional tension with its intricate instrumentation and layered vocal harmonies, establishing the album's complex aesthetic from the outset.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and thematic depth make it stand out in the indie rock genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that contrasts with the introspective lyrics.
- The first half of the album maintains a frenetic pace, while the latter half slows down, allowing for more reflective moments.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- gradual build to dramatic finale
- kaleidoscopic soundscape exploration
- introspective headphone detail hunting
- surreal lyrical journey
- back-loaded pacing for patience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album is noted for its ambitious musicality and received critical acclaim.
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 2012, of Montreal was well-established within the indie rock scene, having already released six albums since their debut in 1997. 'Paralytic Stalks' marked a shift in their sound towards darker themes and more complex arrangements, following the more upbeat 'False Priest' just two years prior.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Apples in Stereo· Panda Bear· Tame Impala
Tracklist
- 1 Gelid Ascent Start here 4:09
- 2 Spiteful Intervention 3:38
- 3 Dour Percentage 4:39
- 4 We Will Commit Wolf Murder 5:29
- 5 Malefic Dowery 2:36
- 6 Ye, Renew the Plaintiff 8:46
- 7 Wintered Debts 7:33
- 8 Exorcismic Breeding Knife 7:40
- 9 Authentic Pyrrhic Remission 13:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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