Proxy cover

Proxy

The Tangent · 2018

67 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock

Intricate progressive rock melodies intertwine with philosophical lyrics in a sprawling exploration of modern existence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Proxy — The title track sets the tone for the album with its sprawling length and intricate composition, encapsulating the band's signature style.
  • →
    The Melting Andalusian Skies — This track features evocative imagery and dynamic shifts that highlight The Tangent's lyrical depth and musical innovation.
  • →
    A Case of Misplaced Optimism — With its catchy hooks and reflective verses, this song balances accessibility with complexity, embodying the album's thematic core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances but lacks broader cultural resonance.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended tracks, with the shortest being over six minutes long, allowing for complex musical developments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

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

  • sprawling explorations of existence
  • patient builds rewarding deep listening
  • thought-provoking lyrical reflections
  • immersive journeys through intricate melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2018, Proxy is The Tangent's sixth studio album, following their 2015 release, A Spark in the Aether. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the progressive rock genre and showcasing their distinctive blend of complex arrangements and thought-provoking themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Spock's Beard· Transatlantic· The Flower Kings

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Adulthood Lie

    The narrative shifts from a youthful idealism to a more jaded perspective on adulthood's challenges without abandoning hope.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Proxy 16:07
  • 2 The Melting Andalusian Skies 8:51
  • 3 A Case of Misplaced Optimism 6:13
  • 4 The Adulthood Lie 16:05
  • 5 Supper’s Off 9:53
  • 6 Excerpts From Exo-Oceans 10:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata