What makes The Increased Difficulty of Concentration by Air Liquide notable?

The album is recognized for its innovative approach to electronic music, contributing to the development of the acid techno genre. It received critical acclaim from various publications and is noted for its influence on both club culture and electronic music production techniques during the mid-90s. Released in 1994, The Increased Difficulty of Concentration marked Air Liquide's third studio album, following their 1993 release, The Third Wave. By this time, the duo had established themselves as pioneers within the acid techno scene, pushing boundaries with their experimental sound and complex compositions.

Who is The Increased Difficulty of Concentration for?

The Increased Difficulty of Concentration works well if you're into sprawling soundscapes for deep focus, patient exploration of textures and immersive rhythms that demand attention.

How many songs are on The Increased Difficulty of Concentration?

The Increased Difficulty of Concentration has 23 tracks, running approximately 141 minutes.

The Increased Difficulty of Concentration

Air Liquide · 1994

141 min · 23 tracks · acid techno

A sprawling exploration of ambient soundscapes mixed with intricate acid techno rhythms that challenge the listener's focus.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Robot Wars Symphony, Part I: System Engaged — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of technology and human interaction through its dynamic layering of sounds and rhythmic complexity.
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Things Happen — Opening the album, this track sets a tone of experimentalism with its brief but potent mix of ambient textures and rhythmic pulses that encapsulate the duo's style.
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The Increased Difficulty of Concentration — The title track stands out for its introspective ambiance, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a rich soundscape that mirrors the album's exploration of focus and distraction.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate rhythms with ambient soundscapes, showcasing a distinctive approach to acid techno.

What we noticed

The album features long tracks that often exceed six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes and textures.
Several tracks utilize repetitive motifs layered with evolving synth patterns, creating a hypnotic effect typical of acid techno.
The sequencing includes abrupt transitions between ambient interludes and more rhythmically intense sections, challenging the listener's concentration.

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: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 deep focus
patient exploration of textures
immersive rhythms that demand attention
cerebral experience for late-night sessions
dynamic shifts that provoke thought

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, quick tracks
seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1994, The Increased Difficulty of Concentration marked Air Liquide's third studio album, following their 1993 release, The Third Wave. By this time, the duo had established themselves as pioneers within the acid techno scene, pushing boundaries with their experimental sound and complex compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Aphex Twin· The Black Dog· Squarepusher

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Increased Difficulty of Concentration

The song features a repeated motif that shifts between serene melodic lines and dissonant elements, creating a tension between calmness and chaos.

This structural choice emphasizes the theme of mental struggle within concentration, illustrating how distraction can emerge from moments of tranquility.