Released 10 years ago this October
Retribution
Tagaq · 2016
47 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A visceral blend of throat singing and experimental soundscapes that challenges the boundaries of traditional Inuit music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Retribution — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reclamation and resilience, featuring powerful vocal techniques that convey raw emotion and urgency.
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Cold — Cold juxtaposes haunting melodies with Tagaq's throat singing, creating an atmosphere that embodies both beauty and desolation, reflecting on the harshness of life.
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Rape Me — This provocative cover of Nirvana's song transforms its original context into a powerful statement on violence and survival, showcasing Tagaq's unique interpretive strength.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tagaq's innovative blend of traditional throat singing with experimental elements creates a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered throat singing over ambient soundscapes, setting a tone of tension and exploration.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional structures, often shifting abruptly between intense vocalizations and quieter, atmospheric passages.
- The final track includes a spoken word element that contrasts sharply with the preceding musical intensity, creating a jarring yet impactful conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like emotional dynamics
- exhilarating peaks and valleys
- immersive throat singing experience
- late-night introspective exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward structures
- prefer quick, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Retribution is Tanya Tagaq's fourth studio album and follows her critically acclaimed record Animism from 2014. At this point in her career, Tagaq had solidified her reputation as an innovative artist who merges traditional Inuit sounds with contemporary influences, expanding her audience and artistic reach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Björk· Lisa Gerrard· Dead Can Dance
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Retribution
The moment features a shift in dynamics as Tagaq shifts from soft, melodic phrases to intense vocalizations symbolizing struggle and empowerment.
This dynamic contrast not only highlights her vocal range but also emphasizes the emotional journey of reclaiming one's narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ajaaja 2:55
- 2 Retribution 7:58
- 3 Nacreous 4:01
- 4 Aorta 3:37
- 5 Centre 3:52
- 6 Summoning 8:57
- 7 Cold 6:35
- 8 Sivulivinivut 1:49
- 9 Sulfur 3:00
- 10 Rape Me 4:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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