Phosphene Dream
The Black Angels · 2010
36 min · 10 tracks · psychedelic rock
A swirling kaleidoscope of reverb-drenched guitars and hypnotic rhythms that evoke a dreamlike state.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bad Vibrations — This opening track establishes the album's haunting atmosphere with its driving bassline and eerie vocal harmonies, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Phosphene Dream — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending hypnotic rhythms with vivid lyrical imagery that transports listeners into an ethereal experience.
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True Believers — With its anthemic chorus and a blend of urgency and nostalgia, this track stands out as a commentary on faith and belief amidst existential uncertainty.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's immersive sound and gradual builds create a cohesive psychedelic experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of reverb and delay effects, creating a dense soundscape that immerses the listener.
- Several songs employ a slow build-up, layering instruments gradually before reaching a climactic peak, particularly evident in 'River of Blood'.
- The album closes with 'The Sniper', which features a significant drop in tempo and intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- 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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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
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
- hypnotic rhythmic explorations
- short immersive listening sessions
- contemplative afternoon vibes
- dynamic emotional landscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 14, 2010, Phosphene Dream marked The Black Angels' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2008 release, Directions to See a Ghost. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their place in the modern psychedelic rock revival, exploring darker themes and more expansive soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre· Spiritualized· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bad Vibrations 4:27
- 2 Haunting at 1300 McKinley 2:24
- 3 Yellow Elevator #2 4:56
- 4 Sunday Afternoon 2:43
- 5 River of Blood 3:58
- 6 Entrance Song 3:38
- 7 Phosphene Dream 3:41
- 8 True Believers 4:33
- 9 Telephone 1:59
- 10 The Sniper 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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