What makes Pitch Black Prism by Alias notable?

Pitch Black Prism received significant attention for its innovative production techniques and was praised in multiple reviews, including features in publications like XLR8R. The album's abstract style has influenced a wave of experimental hip-hop artists seeking to push the boundaries of traditional rap aesthetics. Released on January 1, 2014, Pitch Black Prism is Alias's follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2008 album, Resurgam. At this point in his career, Alias was solidifying his reputation within the underground hip-hop scene as a pioneering producer known for his intricate sound design and genre-blending approach.

How many songs are on Pitch Black Prism?

Pitch Black Prism has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Pitch Black Prism

Alias · 2014

41 min · 13 tracks · hip-hop

A kaleidoscopic journey through abstract beats and ethereal textures, merging hip-hop with experimental soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ghost Cloudz — This opening track sets a haunting tone with its layered synths and glitchy percussion, showcasing Alias's unique ability to create atmospheric landscapes.
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Crimson Across It — The track blends hypnotic rhythms with textured samples, exemplifying Alias's knack for crafting immersive sonic experiences that draw listeners into his world.
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Amber Revisions — This piece stands out for its intricate beat construction and poignant melodic elements, reflecting Alias's evolution as a producer while maintaining his signature style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative production and abstract style create a unique listening experience that stands out in hip-hop.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats for more fluid arrangements.
The use of layered samples creates a dense soundscape that rewards close listening, revealing new elements on repeated plays.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Indiiggo

The bridge shifts the perspective dramatically, introducing a reflective tone that contrasts with the earlier verses.

This change not only alters the narrative flow but also deepens the emotional weight of the song by providing an introspective moment amidst the energetic beats.

Tracklist

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

1 Ghost Cloudz 4:40
2 Crimson Across It 2:40
3 Vermilion Coda 0:41
4 Amber Revisions 4:32
5 Gold cLOUDDEAD Skiez 3:48
6 Joseph Greenleaf Mornings 4:15
7 Pistachio Payoff 1:33
8 Vallejo's Sapphire Views 3:00
9 Indiiggo 3:39
10 Amethyst Afternoon 3:43
11 Pitch Black Prism 3:36
12 Slackened Onyx 0:41
13 Aikotune 4:17

What to play next

Listen next

Less Is Orchestra

2018

Go back to

Second Chances

2012

Full Alias discography Artists like Alias

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata