Purgatory/Paradise cover

Released 13 years ago this October

Purgatory/Paradise

Throwing Muses · 2013

206 min · 65 tracks · alternative rock

An intricate tapestry of dissonant melodies and haunting vocals, balancing between raw emotion and experimental soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Opiates — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of addiction and escapism through layered instrumentation and evocative lyrics, showcasing the band's signature blend of vulnerability and complexity.
  • →
    Lazy Eye — With its infectious melody and introspective lyrics, this song encapsulates the struggle of self-awareness amidst chaos, making it a standout representation of the album's themes.
  • →
    Slippershell — The juxtaposition of serene verses against chaotic choruses reflects the album's overarching theme of internal conflict, highlighting the band's ability to craft emotionally charged narratives.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of haunting beauty
  • immersive soundscapes for deep focus
  • experimental listening with emotional depth
  • intricate melodies that challenge perception

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
  • prefer longer, cohesive compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 29, 2013, Purgatory/Paradise marked Throwing Muses' first studio album since their 1996 release, University. This album came during a period of reformation for the band as they navigated changes in the music landscape and personal dynamics within the group, aiming to reconnect with their artistic roots while exploring new sonic territories.
Stylistic neighbors
Pixies· Belly· The Breeders

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Smoky Hands 1 1:09
  • 2 Morning Birds 1 3:27
  • 3 Sleepwalking 2 1:06
  • 4 Sunray Venus 3:35
  • 5 Cherry Candy 1 1:04
  • 6 Film 1:49
  • 7 Opiates 3:55
  • 8 Cherry Candy 2 0:55
  • 9 Freesia 2:42
  • 10 Curtains 1 1:07
  • 11 Triangle Quantico 1:15
  • 12 Morning Birds 2 2:00
  • 13 Lazy Eye 3:20
  • 14 Blurry 1 2:25
  • 15 Folding Fire 2 0:35
  • 16 Slippershell 4:47
  • 17 Bluff 1:01
  • 18 Blurry 2 1:32
  • 19 Terra Nova 2:37
  • 20 Walking Talking 1:03
  • 21 Milan 4:26
  • 22 Curtains 2 0:44
  • 23 Folding Fire 1 2:21
  • 24 Static 2:41
  • 25 Clark’s Nutcracker 2:45
  • 26 Dripping Trees 1 1:48
  • 27 Sleepwalking 1 2:24
  • 28 Smoky Hands 2 0:28
  • 29 Speedbath 2:08
  • 30 Quick 2:34
  • 31 Dripping Trees 2 1:25
  • 32 Glass Cats 2:23

Disc 2

  • 1 Smokey Hands 1 (instrumental) 1:13
  • 2 Morning Birds 1 (instrumental) 3:33
  • 3 Sleepwalking 2 (instrumental) 1:06
  • 4 Sunray Venus (instrumental) 3:37
  • 5 Cherry Candy 1 (instrumental) 1:10
  • 6 Film (instrumental) 1:54
  • 7 Opiates (instrumental) 3:58
  • 8 Cherry Candy 2 (instrumental) 1:04
  • 9 Freesia (instrumental) 2:47
  • 10 Curtains 1 (instrumental) 1:06
  • 11 Triangle Quantico (instrumental) 1:18
  • 12 Morning Birds 2 (instrumental) 2:04
  • 13 Lazy Eye (instrumental) 3:26
  • 14 Blurry 1 (instrumental) 2:30
  • 15 Sleepwalking 3 (instrumental) 1:48
  • 16 Slippershell (instrumental) 4:51
  • 17 Bluff (instrumental) 1:12
  • 18 Blurry 2 (instrumental) 1:33
  • 19 Tera Nova (instrumental) 2:38
  • 20 Walking Talking (instrumental) 1:56
  • 21 Milan (instrumental) 4:25
  • 22 Curtains 2 (instrumental) 0:43
  • 23 Folding Fire 1 (instrumental) 2:23
  • 24 Static (instrumental) 2:42
  • 25 Clark's Nutcracker (instrumental) 2:55
  • 26 Dripping Trees 1 (instrumental) 1:52
  • 27 Sleepwalking 1 (instrumental) 2:27
  • 28 Smokey Hands 2 (instrumental) 0:30
  • 29 Speedbath (instrumental) 2:10
  • 30 Quick (instrumental) 2:41
  • 31 Dripping Trees 2 (instrumental) 1:29
  • 32 Glass Cats (instrumental) 2:27

Disc 3

  • 1 Commentary 1:07:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata