What makes Tanker by Bailter Space notable?

Tanker received significant acclaim within the underground music community and helped establish Bailter Space as a key player in the Kiwi noise rock movement. The album's raw sound and innovative approach influenced numerous bands in the genre, establishing a template for future acts exploring similar sonic territories. Released in January 1988, Tanker was Bailter Space's debut album, following the band's formation from the ashes of the influential New Zealand band, The Gordons. This album marked their transition into a more experimental sound that would define their later work, as they sought to carve out a distinct identity in the burgeoning noise rock scene.

How many songs are on Tanker?

Tanker has 9 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Tanker

Bailter Space · 1988

34 min · 9 tracks · noise rock

A dense fusion of feedback-laden guitar riffs and hypnotic rhythms creates an immersive noise rock landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Glass — Opening with an expansive soundscape, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend intricate guitar work with a driving rhythm that sets the tone for the entire album.
→
The 'W' Song — This track showcases Bailter Space's knack for catchy melodies entangled with dissonant textures, highlighting their unique approach to noise rock.
→
Tanker — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of existential inquiry through its layered instrumentation and haunting vocal delivery, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's immersive sound and experimental approach mark it as a notable entry in noise rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a wall of distorted guitar feedback, setting a dense sonic atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate repetitive motifs that evolve over time, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the sound rather than follow traditional song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Glass 6:24
2 The 'W' Song 3:52
3 Grader Spader 3:46
4 Titan 5:36
5 Your Invisible Life 4:13
6 Valve 0:28
7 The Today Song 2:42
8 Tanker 4:16
9 One More Reason 3:13

What to play next

Listen next

Thermos

1990

Go back to

Nelsh Bailter Space

1987

Full Bailter Space discography Artists like Bailter Space

noise rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata