Top tracks — play these first
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3WW Start here — Opening with haunting harmonies and intricate guitar work, this track sets an atmospheric tone that permeates the album.
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In Cold Blood — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and sharp lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to blend pop sensibilities with experimental sounds.
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Deadcrush — With its juxtaposition of upbeat production and darker themes, this track exemplifies alt-J's lyrical complexity and sonic experimentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and unique structures, maintaining alt-J's distinct sound while exploring new textures.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds layers of sound, setting a contemplative tone.
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as 'In Cold Blood', which shifts between multiple sections without a traditional chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- quirky rhythms spark curiosity
- ethereal vocals invite introspection
- balanced progression with resolution
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Continues alt-J's innovative sound, diverging from their earlier works.
- Themes
- ethereal landscapes· modern alienation· cold blooded relationships
- Career context
- Relaxer is alt-J's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed sophomore release, This Is All Yours. By 2017, the band had solidified their unique sound and artistic identity, gaining significant recognition on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Glass Animals· Bon Iver· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hit Me Like That Snare
The bridge shifts from playful banter to a stark introspection about relationships and emotional barriers.
This shift in tone highlights the contrast between lightheartedness and deeper feelings, revealing the complexities of intimacy.
Tracklist
- 1 3WW Start here 5:00
- 2 In Cold Blood 3:27
- 3 House of the Rising Sun 5:21
- 4 Hit Me Like That Snare 3:38
- 5 Deadcrush 3:52
- 6 Adeline 5:50
- 7 Last Year 6:06
- 8 Pleader 5:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Vespertine
Björk
Shares intricate soundscapes and ethereal vocals, exploring intimacy and alienation.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Combines personal themes with a delicate, atmospheric production style, creating haunting emotional landscapes.
Overgrown
James Blake
Utilizes sparse instrumentation and emotive vocals to explore themes of modern relationships and isolation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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