Shulamith cover

Shulamith

Poliça · 2013

51 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal synths intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a soundscape that balances melancholy and empowerment.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chain My Name — This track opens the album with an anthemic feel, blending rhythmic percussion with layered vocals that set the tone for the exploration of identity throughout.
  • →
    Warrior Lord — A standout moment featuring powerful lyrics and a driving beat, this song encapsulates themes of resilience and defiance while showcasing the band's dynamic production style.
  • →
    Very Cruel — This track delves into darker emotional territory, combining stark instrumentation with haunting melodies that highlight vulnerability amid strength.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric elements with strong vocal interplay, creating a distinctive sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent use of layered synths and vocal harmonies, establishing a dense atmospheric sound early on.
  • Several songs employ a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and backing harmonies, enhancing the ethereal quality.
  • The album's pacing shifts notably with 'Very Cruel', which introduces a more rhythmic, driving beat that contrasts with the preceding tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • haunting soundscapes for introspection
  • rhythmic sophistication for deep focus
  • emotional exploration through layered textures
  • steady pace for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Shulamith is Poliça's second studio album, released in 2013 as a follow-up to their acclaimed debut, Give You the Ghost. At this point in their career, the band was gaining wider recognition for their unique blend of electronic and indie rock, building on the momentum from their initial success while exploring deeper lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Sylvan Esso· Bat for Lashes· Little Dragon

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • So Leave

    The bridge shifts to a direct address, compelling a significant other to reconsider their choices amidst a backdrop of pulsating synths.

    This moment contrasts earlier ambiguity by shifting from introspection to confrontation, emphasizing the urgency of personal agency.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Chain My Name 4:07
  • 2 Smug 3:59
  • 3 Vegas 4:11
  • 4 Warrior Lord 4:30
  • 5 Very Cruel 4:45
  • 6 Torre 4:27
  • 7 Trippin 4:15
  • 8 Tiff 4:26
  • 9 Spilling Lines 3:02
  • 10 Matty 4:58
  • 11 I Need $ 4:38
  • 12 So Leave 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata