What makes The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam by Thundercat notable?

This work is notable for its critical acclaim, earning a spot on several year-end lists and showcasing Thundercat's unique sound that influenced subsequent artists in the neo-soul and electronic genres. The track 'Them Changes' became particularly popular, frequently featured in playlists and recognized for its emotional depth and catchy groove. Released on January 1, 2015, this EP followed Thundercat's acclaimed album 'Apocalypse' and showcased his growing artistic vision. At this point, Thundercat was gaining significant recognition for his innovative fusion of genres, solidifying his place within the modern jazz and electronic music scenes.

Who is The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam for?

The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam works well if you're into brief moments of introspective reflection, playful grooves for casual listening and emotional depth in short bursts.

How many songs are on The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam?

The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam has 7 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam

Thundercat · 2015

17 min · 7 tracks · electronic music

A fluid blend of jazz-inflected grooves and electronic textures, laced with introspective themes and soulful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Them Changes — This track stands out with its infectious bassline and poignant lyrics about loss and acceptance, capturing the essence of the EP's emotional landscape.
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Lone Wolf and Cub — The song's cinematic quality and intricate arrangements highlight Thundercat's musicianship, blending storytelling with a rich sonic palette.
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Where the Giants Roam / Field of the Nephilim — This piece serves as an ambitious closing track that encapsulates the thematic exploration of existence and spirituality found throughout the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong composition and craft, with cohesive themes and distinctive sound, though its impact remains niche.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a prominent bass line that sets a laid-back groove, which is maintained throughout the EP.
Each track features intricate layering of electronic textures and live instrumentation, creating a rich sonic landscape.
The final track combines elements from earlier songs, providing a reflective conclusion that ties the themes together.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

brief moments of introspective reflection
playful grooves for casual listening
emotional depth in short bursts
soulful melodies for late nights

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy epics
prefer straightforward, repetitive structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2015, this EP followed Thundercat's acclaimed album 'Apocalypse' and showcased his growing artistic vision. At this point, Thundercat was gaining significant recognition for his innovative fusion of genres, solidifying his place within the modern jazz and electronic music scenes.
Stylistic neighbors: Flying Lotus· Hiatus Kaiyote· Kamasi Washington