Squaring the Circle
Sneaker Pimps · 2021
67 min · 16 tracks · trip hop
A lush blend of atmospheric trip hop with introspective lyrics and cinematic soundscapes that evoke a sense of yearning.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fighter — Opening with an empowering message, this track sets the tone for the album's themes of resilience and self-discovery, showcasing vibrant instrumentation alongside captivating vocals.
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Child in the Dark — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that explore themes of vulnerability and innocence lost, encapsulating the emotional depth of the album.
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So Far Gone — With its infectious rhythm and reflective lyrics, this song captures a sense of longing and nostalgia, making it a relatable highlight in the context of contemporary life.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends atmospheric elements with introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued and reflective tones.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, atmospheric texture, particularly in 'Tranquility Trap' and 'Black Rain'.
- 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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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- atmospheric background focus
- introspective and contemplative moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Squaring the Circle' was released in 2021, Sneaker Pimps had been on a long hiatus since their last studio album, 'Bloodsport' in 2002. This marked their return to the music scene after nearly two decades, showcasing a matured sound while maintaining their signature style rooted in trip hop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Massive Attack· Portishead· Tricky
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Love Me Stupid
The moment shifts dramatically as the narrative voice confronts the complexities of love, revealing an unexpected honesty amidst vulnerability.
This pivot challenges conventional portrayals of romance by embracing raw emotion and self-awareness, deepening the listener's engagement with the theme.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fighter 4:07
- 2 Child in the Dark 4:16
- 3 Alibis 4:07
- 4 So Far Gone 5:12
- 5 Immaculate Hearts 3:52
- 6 No Show 3:56
- 7 Tranquility Trap 4:03
- 8 SOS 4:27
- 9 Stripes 5:02
- 10 Paper Room 4:09
- 11 Black Rain 3:44
- 12 Love Me Stupid 4:52
- 13 Lifeline 4:03
- 14 Pink Noise 3:28
- 15 Come Like the Cure 4:23
- 16 Squaring the Circle 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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