Sympathetic Magic
Typhoon · 2021
39 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A rich tapestry of orchestral indie rock woven with introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Empire Builder — This track stands out for its powerful juxtaposition of soaring melodies and poignant reflections on personal dislocation, embodying the album’s emotional core.
-
→
We're In It — Featuring an infectious chorus and a driving rhythm, this song encapsulates the sense of collective struggle that permeates the album.
-
→
Time, Time — The contemplative nature of this track, combined with its intricate arrangements, highlights Typhoon's signature blend of introspection and expansive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong orchestration and lyrical depth but remains within familiar indie rock territory.
What we noticed
- Several tracks employ dynamic shifts in volume and intensity, creating a sense of ebb and flow that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The lyrics often juxtapose personal experiences with broader existential themes, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives while engaging with the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- short bursts of introspective energy
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
- thoughtful reflections on personal experiences
- cathartic moments of musical release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- want longer, cohesive compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 22, 2021, 'Sympathetic Magic' is Typhoon's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2018 release 'Offerings'. At this point in their career, Typhoon had solidified their presence in the indie rock scene, building on their reputation for lush arrangements and thoughtful narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Antlers· Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Empire Builder
At a critical juncture, the lyrics shift from personal reflection to broader societal commentary, illustrating the weight of expectations.
This moment marks a transition from individual experience to collective consciousness, revealing how personal struggles often reflect larger societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sine Qua Nonentity 2:47
- 2 Empire Builder 4:14
- 3 Motion and Thought 3:08
- 4 Santos 0:29
- 5 We're In It 4:36
- 6 Two Birds 3:02
- 7 Evil Vibes 2:46
- 8 And So What If You Were Right 3:58
- 9 Time, Time 2:56
- 10 Room Within the Room 4:04
- 11 Masochist Ball 3:18
- 12 Welcome to the Endgame 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.