What makes Stubborn Persistent Illusions by Do Make Say Think notable?

The album was well-received by critics, with notable features in publications like Pitchfork and AllMusic, highlighting its rich textures and emotional depth. It reaffirmed Do Make Say Think's status within the post-rock genre, influencing both longtime fans and new listeners through its immersive sound. Released in 2017, Stubborn Persistent Illusions marked Do Make Say Think's first album in nearly a decade, following their 2009 release, Other Truths. This period saw the band returning to their post-rock roots while integrating more modern production techniques, reflecting an evolution in their sound and approach.

How many songs are on Stubborn Persistent Illusions?

Stubborn Persistent Illusions has 9 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Stubborn Persistent Illusions

Do Make Say Think · 2017

60 min · 9 tracks · post-rock

A swirling blend of intricate melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of expansive introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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War on Torpor — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its gradual build-up of layered instrumentation, creating an expansive atmosphere that draws listeners in.
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A Murder of Thoughts — This track showcases the band's ability to weave complex rhythms and melodic lines together, embodying the tension and release characteristic of their style.
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Her Eyes on the Horizon — With its sweeping dynamics and emotive crescendos, this track exemplifies the band's signature blend of introspective melodies and powerful climaxes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and atmospheric soundscapes create a rewarding listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features long, flowing tracks that often build gradually, layering instruments to create dense soundscapes.
Each track typically develops a central motif that evolves over its duration, allowing for extended exploration of themes.
There are no vocals present, emphasizing the instrumental nature and encouraging listeners to engage with the music on an emotional level.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 War on Torpor 5:24
2 Horripilation 10:27
3 A Murder of Thoughts 5:52
4 Bound 4:49
5 And Boundless 7:13
6 Her Eyes on the Horizon 8:20
7 d=3.57√h (As Far as the Eye Can See) 7:51
8 Shlomo's Son 3:44
9 Return, Return Again 7:10

What to play next

Go back to

Other Truths

2009

Full Do Make Say Think discography Artists like Do Make Say Think

post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata