Soul Murder
Barry Adamson · 1992
46 min · 14 tracks · post-punk
A cinematic blend of post-punk grooves and moody instrumentals, weaving dark narratives through lush soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Checkpoint Charlie — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere and engaging narrative about the Berlin Wall, reflecting Adamson's knack for storytelling through music.
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The Violation of Expectation — With its intricate arrangements and unsettling tone, this track encapsulates the album's themes of disillusionment and tension, making it a pivotal moment.
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007, A Fantasy Bond Theme — This playful yet dark take on a classic film trope showcases Adamson’s ability to merge humor with serious undertones, exemplifying his distinct style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends narrative depth with innovative production, establishing a unique sound within post-punk.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken word piece, setting a narrative tone that persists throughout the tracks.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, combining traditional post-punk elements with orchestral arrangements.
- The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in mood, such as transitioning from the dark intensity of 'Trance of Hatred' to the more reflective 'Reverie'.
- Many tracks incorporate cinematic sound effects, enhancing the storytelling aspect and creating immersive soundscapes.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- haunting narratives for deep focus
- immersive soundscapes for introspection
- darkly poetic moments of reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- 'Soul Murder' is Barry Adamson's debut solo album, released after his tenure with the influential band Magazine. This album marked his transition from post-punk musician to a solo artist, showcasing his unique approach to blending music with storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Byrne· Brian Eno· Talking Heads
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Preface 1:13
- 2 Split 3:58
- 3 The Violation of Expectation 3:04
- 4 Suspicion 4:05
- 5 A Gentle Man of Colour 3:50
- 6 Trance of Hatred 0:59
- 7 Checkpoint Charlie 6:32
- 8 Reverie 4:51
- 9 Un Petit Miracle 2:55
- 10 007, A Fantasy Bond Theme 3:57
- 11 The Adamson Family 3:45
- 12 Cool Green World 3:31
- 13 On the Edge of Atonement 3:16
- 14 Epilogue 0:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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