What makes The Penance and the Patience by Closure in Moscow notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its ambitious songwriting and complex arrangements, positioning Closure in Moscow as a notable name in the progressive rock landscape. It garnered attention for its innovative sound, contributing to the revitalization of the genre during the late 2000s and drawing comparisons to acts like Coheed and Cambria. The Penance and the Patience is Closure in Moscow's debut album, released in January 2008. At this juncture, the band was establishing its unique sound following its formation in 2006, aiming to carve a niche within the Australian alternative rock scene. The album was pivotal in setting the stage for their subsequent projects and helped them gain recognition both locally and internationally.

How many songs are on The Penance and the Patience?

The Penance and the Patience has 6 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

The Penance and the Patience

Closure in Moscow · 2008

25 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and alternative melodies, layered with intricate guitar work and emotive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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We Want Guarantees, Not Hunger Pains — Opening with intense energy, this track establishes the album's thematic focus on societal discontent while showcasing the band's dynamic instrumentation.
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Dulcinea — This track blends intricate melodies with reflective lyrics, illustrating the band's ability to balance complexity with accessibility, making it a standout moment.
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Breathing Underwater — With its captivating chorus and rhythmic shifts, this song encapsulates the emotional depth of the album, resonating strongly with listeners seeking introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases ambitious songwriting and intricate arrangements, establishing a distinctive sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a complex guitar riff that is layered with harmonized vocals, setting a dynamic tone for the EP.
The final track incorporates an extended instrumental section that gradually builds in intensity before concluding with a soft fade-out.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Ofelia… Ofelia

A poignant shift occurs as the narrative voice directly addresses a figure from the past, revealing layers of regret and longing.

This moment marks a departure from previous abstract themes, grounding the song in personal experience that deepens its emotional impact.

Tracklist

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

1 We Want Guarantees, Not Hunger Pains 3:58
2 Dulcinea 4:37
3 Breathing Underwater 3:15
4 Here’s to Entropy 3:01
5 Ofelia… Ofelia 4:39
6 Jewels for Eyes 6:04

What to play next

Listen next

First Temple

2009

Full Closure in Moscow discography Artists like Closure in Moscow

alternative rock progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata