The Holy Pictures
David Holmes · 2008
42 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
A cinematic blend of electronic textures and emotive melodies, weaving a rich tapestry of soundscapes and storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Heard Wonders — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal melodies and intricate layers, showcasing Holmes' ability to create immersive sonic experiences.
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Holy Pictures — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of exploring beauty and spirituality through sound, featuring haunting vocals that elevate its emotional depth.
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Kill Her With Kindness — This track stands out with its rhythmic complexity and engaging hooks, demonstrating Holmes' skill at blending pop sensibilities with more avant-garde elements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's rich soundscapes and varied pacing create an immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered electronic textures, creating a dense soundscape that evolves throughout each track.
- Several tracks incorporate field recordings and spoken word elements, adding an organic quality to the predominantly electronic instrumentation.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks building tension through gradual crescendos while others maintain a more subdued atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
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
- cinematic soundscapes for deep listening
- emotive melodies that evoke nostalgia
- thoughtful tracks for reflective moments
- rich textures that unfold gradually
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy music
- want straightforward, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time David Holmes released The Holy Pictures in 2008, he was transitioning from his role as a film score composer to an acclaimed solo artist. This album followed his previous work, the critically lauded bowels of the earth, further solidifying his reputation for innovative sound design and genre-blending.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Air· Thievery Corporation· Bonobo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Heard Wonders 5:35
- 2 The Story of the Ink 5:22
- 3 Love Reign Over Me 3:47
- 4 Theme/I.M.C. 3:55
- 5 Holy Pictures 5:19
- 6 Kill Her With Kindness 4:03
- 7 Melanie 3:59
- 8 Hey Maggy 4:58
- 9 Birth 1:07
- 10 The Ballad of Sarah & Jack 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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