Shriek
Wye Oak · 2014
41 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
Ethereal synths and intricate rhythms blend with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike soundscape that redefines Wye Oak's indie rock roots.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shriek — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of personal and existential themes through its haunting melodies and layered instrumentation, highlighting the band's new sonic identity.
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Glory — This track stands out for its anthemic quality, merging infectious hooks with introspective lyrics that reflect on self-acceptance and resilience.
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Despicable Animal — With its driving beat and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the album's thematic depth and showcases the band's ability to fuse emotional weight with engaging rhythms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate rhythms and ethereal sound create a distinctive listening experience that rewards repeat plays.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered synths and minimal percussion, establishing an ethereal atmosphere.
- Vocals are often treated with effects, creating a haunting quality that blends seamlessly with the instrumental backdrop.
- Several tracks employ complex rhythms that shift unexpectedly, challenging conventional song structures within the indie rock genre.
- The final track fades out gradually, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity and reflection.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- dreamlike soundscapes for reflection
- intricate rhythms for focused listening
- haunting vocals evoke deep emotions
- sustained energy for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek immediate gratification melodies
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Shriek marked Wye Oak's fourth studio album and represented a significant shift in their musical direction, moving away from their traditional guitar-driven sound. This album came after the duo's critically acclaimed Civilian (2011) and showcased a more electronic approach, emphasizing lush synthesizers and complex textures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sylvan Esso· The Antlers· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Before 4:19
- 2 Shriek 3:39
- 3 The Tower 4:06
- 4 Glory 4:53
- 5 Sick Talk 4:26
- 6 Schools of Eyes 4:15
- 7 Despicable Animal 4:50
- 8 Paradise 4:22
- 9 I Know the Law 3:44
- 10 Logic of Color 3:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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