What makes Spiral by Darkside notable?

Spiral received widespread critical acclaim, appearing in numerous year-end lists, which solidified Darkside's status as pioneers in the electronica scene. The album's experimental approach and rich production led to its recognition by major publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, emphasizing its influence on contemporary electronic music. Released on July 23, 2021, Spiral is Darkside's first studio album since their debut Psychic in 2013. This long-awaited follow-up came after a period of solo projects from both members, Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington, marking a significant return to the collaborative sound that defined their earlier work.

How many songs are on Spiral?

Spiral has 10 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Spiral

Darkside · 2021

58 min · 10 tracks · electronica

A mesmerizing blend of intricate electronic soundscapes and evocative melodies that push the boundaries of genre.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Narrow Road — Opening with a haunting vocal line layered over hypnotic beats, this track sets the tone for the album's introspective journey.
→
The Limit — Featuring a compelling mix of rhythmic tension and atmospheric buildup, this track exemplifies the duo's ability to create immersive sound worlds.
→
Spiral — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of transformation and cyclical patterns through its evolving layers and shifting dynamics.
→
Inside Is Out There — This extended piece showcases Darkside's knack for blending complex structures with emotive depth, making it a standout exploration of sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and seamless blending of elements create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features long, evolving tracks that often build layers of sound over extended periods, creating a hypnotic atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate field recordings and found sounds, blending them seamlessly with electronic elements to enhance the immersive experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Question Is to See It All

At a pivotal moment, the lyrics shift from abstract musings to direct inquiries about perception and existence.

This transition deepens the philosophical inquiry at the song's core, moving from reflection into an engaging dialogue with the listener.

Tracklist

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

1 Narrow Road 6:15
2 The Limit 5:21
3 The Question Is to See It All 5:08
4 Lawmaker 5:49
5 I’m the Echo 5:08
6 Spiral 4:58
7 Liberty Bell 4:02
8 Inside Is Out There 8:36
9 Only Young 6:33
10 Ecdysis! 6:30

What to play next

Listen next

Nothing

2025

Go back to

Psychic

2013

Full Darkside discography Artists like Darkside

electronica

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata