Plastic House on Base of Sky cover

Released 10 years ago

Plastic House on Base of Sky

Kayo Dot · 2016

38 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A sprawling tapestry of jazz-infused post-rock that weaves together intricate melodies and expansive soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Amalia’s Theme — This opening track establishes a haunting atmosphere with its delicate instrumentation, setting the tone for the album's explorative nature.
  • →
    All the Pain in All the Wide World — The extended length allows for deep improvisational sections, showcasing the band's ability to create tension and release through dynamic shifts.
  • →
    Magnetism — With its complex rhythms and ethereal vocals, this track exemplifies Kayo Dot's skill in melding intricate jazz elements with experimental rock sounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate soundscapes, rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features long tracks, with each piece averaging over six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • The use of silence and dynamic shifts is prominent, with several moments of quiet tension followed by bursts of complex rhythms.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • expansive soundscapes to explore
  • intricate melodies that unfold
  • immersive journeys through sound
  • reflective moments of stillness

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, straightforward tracks
  • seek constant high-energy dynamics

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon the release of 'Plastic House on Base of Sky' in 2016, Kayo Dot was navigating an experimental phase following their critically acclaimed album 'Coffins on Io' from 2014. This album continued to showcase the band's evolution, venturing deeper into avant-garde territory while maintaining their signature blend of rock and jazz influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Tortoise· The Mars Volta· Don Caballero

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Amalia’s Theme 7:33
  • 2 All the Pain in All the Wide World 10:08
  • 3 Magnetism 7:29
  • 4 Rings of Earth 8:40
  • 5 Brittle Urchin 4:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata