What makes Raw Silk Uncut Wood by Laurel Halo notable?

Raw Silk Uncut Wood received widespread critical acclaim upon release, with notable praise from outlets like Pitchfork and Resident Advisor for its intricate composition and atmospheric depth. The album's experimental approach has influenced contemporary techno artists, marking a significant moment in the genre’s evolution. It also solidified Halo's status as a leading figure in experimental electronic music. Released on January 1, 2018, Raw Silk Uncut Wood is Laurel Halo's follow-up to her critically acclaimed album Dust from 2019. At this point in her career, Halo was solidifying her reputation in the avant-garde electronic music scene, showcasing her ability to innovate within the techno genre. This album marks a deep exploration into more experimental sounds, further pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.

Who is Raw Silk Uncut Wood for?

Raw Silk Uncut Wood works well if you're into long immersive listening sessions, deep introspective exploration and layered dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Raw Silk Uncut Wood?

Raw Silk Uncut Wood has 6 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Raw Silk Uncut Wood

Laurel Halo · 2018

32 min · 6 tracks · techno

A haunting blend of abstract techno textures and immersive soundscapes that evoke both serenity and unease.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Raw Silk Uncut Wood — The title track serves as a sprawling centerpiece, embodying the album's themes through its layered sound design and evolving structure over ten minutes.
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Mercury — This track features delicate melodies intertwined with rhythmic complexity, highlighting Halo's skill in blending emotional resonance with intricate production.
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Nahbarkeit — The closing piece offers an expansive soundscape that encapsulates the thematic essence of the album, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive soundscapes and minimalistic structure create a unique listening experience that rewards repeat plays.

What we noticed

The album features long, evolving tracks that often build layers of sound gradually over several minutes.
Each track employs a minimalistic approach, using sparse instrumentation to create an expansive atmosphere.
There are no traditional song structures; instead, the music flows continuously, with textures shifting rather than distinct melodies emerging.

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: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

long immersive listening sessions
deep introspective exploration
layered dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2018, Raw Silk Uncut Wood is Laurel Halo's follow-up to her critically acclaimed album Dust from 2019. At this point in her career, Halo was solidifying her reputation in the avant-garde electronic music scene, showcasing her ability to innovate within the techno genre. This album marks a deep exploration into more experimental sounds, further pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.
Stylistic neighbors: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith· Nina Kraviz· Ryuichi Sakamoto