Shelflife vol 2
Calibre · 2009
94 min · 18 tracks · drum and bass
Lush soundscapes intertwine with intricate drum patterns, creating a serene yet dynamic listening experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Out of the Box — This track opens the album with a captivating blend of deep basslines and airy melodies, setting the tone for the entire listening experience. Its rhythmic complexity showcases Calibre's signature style, drawing listeners into his intricate world.
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Nightlight — As one of the standout tracks, 'Nightlight' combines ethereal vocals with rolling drums, illustrating Calibre's ability to evoke emotion through sound. The song's structure builds tension before releasing into a euphoric climax.
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Find a Way — 'Find a Way' exemplifies Calibre's knack for melodic storytelling within the context of drum and bass. The interplay between the lush instrumentation and rhythmic elements creates an immersive atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases rich production and intricate arrangements typical of liquid drum and bass, appealing to both casual listeners and genre enthusiasts.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush synth pads that create atmospheric layers beneath intricate drum patterns.
- Many tracks utilize a gradual build-up, with elements introduced progressively, leading to dynamic drops.
- Several pieces incorporate vocal samples that are manipulated and layered, adding texture without dominating the instrumental focus.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- lush soundscapes for relaxation
- intricate rhythms for focus
- serene background for creativity
- dynamic textures for deep listening
- patient explorations of sound
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Shelflife vol 2' was released in 2009, Calibre had already established himself as a prominent figure in the liquid drum and bass scene. This album followed his critically acclaimed works, including 'Second Sun' (2007), showcasing his evolution into a more textured and melodic approach to production.
- Stylistic neighbors
- High Contrast· Lenzman· Nu:Tone
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What to Do in These Times
The lyrics shift from personal reflection to broader societal commentary, addressing feelings of uncertainty amidst change.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Out of the Box 5:41
- 2 Nightlight 3:22
- 3 All the Days 5:37
- 4 Harbinger 5:29
- 5 Nowheretobefound 4:49
- 6 Fine as Dust 5:38
- 7 Mindprint 5:11
- 8 The Cage 4:01
- 9 Soft Tear 4:11
Disc 2
- 1 Lazy Rock 5:49
- 2 Life 6:27
- 3 Half Full 5:35
- 4 What to Do in These Times 5:24
- 5 Overeaction Dub 5:44
- 6 Harry 5:33
- 7 Zombie Life 5:11
- 8 Find a Way 4:29
- 9 The Blues 5:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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