Something Always Goes Wrong
Dntel · 2001
57 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
A whimsical blend of ambient soundscapes and playful electronic elements narrating a fantastical adventure.
Top tracks — play these first
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In Which Our Hero Begins His Long and Arduous Quest Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album, combining lush textures with an inviting melodic line that pulls listeners into the thematic journey.
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In Which Our Hero Dodges Bullets and Swords — With its intricate layers and rhythmic complexity, this track exemplifies Dntel's ability to create tension and excitement through sound, reflecting the perilous nature of the hero’s journey.
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The S.O.S. — This track stands out for its emotional depth, juxtaposing upbeat instrumentation with reflective lyrics that encapsulate themes of urgency and despair in the face of adventure.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's narrative structure and whimsical soundscapes create a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track is structured around a narrative theme, with titles that suggest a progression in a story.
- The album features a consistent use of ambient textures layered with playful electronic sounds, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes and sound effects that enhance the storytelling aspect.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- ethereal soundscapes for introspection
- narrative arc through each track
- long-form listening for deep focus
- immersive journeys into longing
- patient builds with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Dntel's catalog, notable but not widely recognized as essential.
- Themes
- heroic quests· whimsical adventures
- Career context
- Released in 2001, 'Something Always Goes Wrong' marked Dntel's second full-length album, following the critically acclaimed debut 'Life Is Full of Possibilities' from 2003. At this point, Dntel was solidifying its place in the burgeoning electronic music scene, particularly within the indie and glitch-pop realms, showcasing a more narrative approach to songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Postal Service· Tycho· Moby
Tracklist
- 1 In Which Our Hero Begins His Long and Arduous Quest Start here 6:53
- 2 In Which Our Hero Finds a Faithful Sidekick 4:22
- 3 In Which Our Hero Is Put Under a Spell 8:02
- 4 In Which Our Hero Dodges Bullets and Swords 6:03
- 5 In Which Our Hero Frees the Damsel in Distress 9:48
- 6 In Which Our Hero Is Decapitated by the Evil King 4:31
- 7 In Which Our Hero Begins His Long and Arduous Quest (Seq remix) 5:04
- 8 In Which Our Hero Was Taken by Surprise (Languis remix) 3:35
- 9 The S.O.S. 5:05
- 10 A Machine and a Memory Keep You Alive 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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