What makes The Milk of Human Kindness by Dan Snaith notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to electronic music, marking a significant moment in the mid-2000s indie scene. It has been recognized for influencing subsequent artists in both the electronic and indie genres, showcasing Snaith's ability to weave intricate sound tapestries that would foreshadow his later work as Caribou. Released in 2005, The Milk of Human Kindness is Dan Snaith's second album, following his debut, Start Breaking My Heart. At this stage, Snaith was beginning to establish his unique sonic identity, blending elements of folk and electronica while exploring more ambitious soundscapes.

Who is The Milk of Human Kindness for?

The Milk of Human Kindness works well if you're into dreamy exploratory soundscapes, gradual builds and payoffs and immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on The Milk of Human Kindness?

The Milk of Human Kindness has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Milk of Human Kindness

Dan Snaith · 2005

40 min · 11 tracks · electronic music

A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and organic melodies that invites listeners into an otherworldly soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Yeti — Opening with a sprawling sound collage, this track exemplifies the album's adventurous spirit and serves as a captivating introduction to Snaith's eclectic style.
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Bees — This track combines lush instrumentation with infectious rhythms, encapsulating the playful yet introspective nature of the album's overarching themes.
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A Final Warning — With its complex structures and emotive layers, this track showcases Snaith's skillful melding of electronic and acoustic elements to create a haunting atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate electronic textures with organic melodies, creating a distinct sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of electronic textures, with tracks often layering multiple synth lines and organic sounds to create a dense soundscape.
Several tracks, such as 'Yeti' and 'Lord Leopard', utilize unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid transitions.

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

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

dreamy exploratory soundscapes
gradual builds and payoffs
immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2005, The Milk of Human Kindness is Dan Snaith's second album, following his debut, Start Breaking My Heart. At this stage, Snaith was beginning to establish his unique sonic identity, blending elements of folk and electronica while exploring more ambitious soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Four Tet· Tycho· Bonobo