Soft Black Stars
Current 93 · 1998
53 min · 12 tracks · neofolk
A haunting blend of dark folk and ethereal soundscapes that evoke a sense of melancholic introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Larkspur and Lazarus Start here — This track encapsulates the album's ethereal quality with its rich instrumentation and profound lyrical exploration of life and death.
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A Gothic Love Song — Blending romanticism with gothic imagery, this song serves as a perfect example of Tibet's unique ability to merge beauty with darkness.
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Judas as Black Moth — This track stands out for its haunting melody and complex lyrical layers, representing the thematic depth that defines 'Soft Black Stars'.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate arrangements and haunting soundscapes create a distinct neofolk experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an untitled track that sets a somber tone, featuring layered vocals and sparse instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements interspersed with melodic singing, creating a haunting narrative quality.
- The use of unconventional instruments, such as strings and bells, adds to the ethereal atmosphere throughout the record.
- Tracks often blend seamlessly into one another, with ambient soundscapes that extend the emotional weight of the music.
- 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
- meditative journey through darkness
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective moments of stillness
- haunting vocals for deep reflection
- for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone, catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is often regarded as one of their essential works, showcasing their artistic depth.
- Themes
- gothic romance· mortality and rebirth
- Career context
- By the time 'Soft Black Stars' was released in 1998, Current 93 had established themselves as key figures in the neofolk genre, following their acclaimed album 'Thunder Perfect Mind' from 1992. This album marked a continuation of their exploration into themes of mysticism and darkness while showcasing David Tibet's evolving lyrical narrative and sonic experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death in June· Sol Invictus· Nature and Organisation
Tracklist
- 1 [untitled] 2:43
- 2 Larkspur and Lazarus Start here 6:03
- 3 A Gothic Love Song 4:04
- 4 Mockingbird 4:02
- 5 Soft Black Stars 3:06
- 6 It Is Time, Only Time 5:04
- 7 Anti-Christ and Barcodes 2:24
- 8 The Signs in the Stars 3:41
- 9 Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still 4:22
- 10 Moonlight, or Other Dreams, or Other Fields 2:06
- 11 Judas as Black Moth 6:15
- 12 Chewing on Shadows 9:44
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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