Is Rainbow a good place to start with Boris?

Yes, Rainbow is recommended as a starting point for new Boris listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and experimental textures that defy easy categorization. Released in late 2006, Rainbow marked a significant moment in Boris's career as they continued to explore their eclectic sound. This album came after the critically acclaimed Pink (2005), further solidifying their reputation for genre-defying music within the underground rock scene.

Rainbow works well if you're into expansive sonic dreamscape exploration, wave-like pacing with peaks and immersive listening for contemplation.

How many songs are on Rainbow?

Rainbow has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Rainbow

Boris · 2006

43 min · 9 tracks · noise rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and experimental textures that defy easy categorization.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rafflesia Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rainbow — The title track encapsulates the album's lush soundscapes and dynamic shifts, blending serene melodies with heavier undertones that define Boris's unique style.
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You Laughed Like a Water Mark — This track stands out with its expansive length and intricate layering, showcasing the band's mastery of atmospheric build-ups and emotional crescendos.
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Fuzzy Reactor — With its driving rhythm and catchy hooks, this song exemplifies Boris's ability to merge accessible songwriting with experimental elements.
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No Sleep Till I Become Hollow — The haunting vocals and repetitive motifs create an immersive experience that highlights the darker themes present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Rainbow blends heavy riffs with ethereal melodies, showcasing Boris's eclectic sound while maintaining a distinct identity.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy, distorted riff in 'Rafflesia' that sets a dense sonic atmosphere, which is maintained throughout the first half.
Tracks like 'My Rain' and 'Shine' introduce ethereal melodies that contrast with the heavier elements, creating a dynamic interplay between light and dark.
The final track, 'No Sleep Till I Become Hollow', features an extended ambient outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of emptiness.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

expansive sonic dreamscape exploration
wave-like pacing with peaks
immersive listening for contemplation
surreal moments of melodic clarity

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Boris's eclectic sound and received notable critical acclaim.
Themes: kaleidoscopic soundscapes· immersive darkness· heavy ethereal contrasts
Career context: Released in late 2006, Rainbow marked a significant moment in Boris's career as they continued to explore their eclectic sound. This album came after the critically acclaimed Pink (2005), further solidifying their reputation for genre-defying music within the underground rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: EARTH· Sleep· Pelican