The Great Distraction cover

The Great Distraction

Vessels · 2017

59 min · 10 tracks · post-rock

A sprawling tapestry of ethereal textures and intricate rhythms invites listeners into a meditative post-rock journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mobilise — Opening with an expansive sonic landscape, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of rhythm and melody, showcasing Vessels' signature blend of atmospheric soundscapes and driving beats.
  • →
    Trust Me — This track features a compelling vocal performance intertwined with dynamic instrumentation, illustrating the balance between human emotion and technological sound that pervades the album.
  • →
    Radio Decay — With its haunting melodies and intricate rhythms, this track exemplifies the album’s thematic exploration of disconnection and introspection, resonating deeply with listeners.

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 album showcases intricate rhythms and textures, inviting deep engagement while maintaining a cohesive post-rock sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a gradual build-up in 'Mobilise', layering synths and percussion over nearly six minutes before introducing melodic elements.
  • Several tracks, like 'Gløwer' and 'Radio Decay', incorporate ambient interludes that contrast with more intense climaxes, providing moments of reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sprawling soundscapes for introspection
  • patient rhythmic explorations unfold
  • immersive journeys through textures
  • late-night reflective listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 29, 2017, The Great Distraction is Vessels' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2015 release, Dilate. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their status within the post-rock genre, expanding their sound with more electronic elements while maintaining their instrumental core.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mobilise 8:37
  • 2 Deflect the Light 6:07
  • 3 Position 6:18
  • 4 Radiart 6:57
  • 5 Deeper in a Sky 4:41
  • 6 Gløwer 7:54
  • 7 Trust Me 4:31
  • 8 Everyone Is Falling 2:56
  • 9 Radio Decay 6:33
  • 10 Erase the Tapes 4:54

What to play next

Dilate
Go back to

Dilate

2015
Full Vessels discography Artists like Vessels
post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata