The Race for Space
Public Service Broadcasting · 2015
43 min · 9 tracks · synth-pop
A captivating blend of archival audio and modern instrumentation that evokes the excitement of space exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sputnik — This track stands out for its expansive soundscapes and intricate layering, effectively capturing the thrill of human ingenuity during the Space Race.
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Gagarin — Named after the first human in space, this track combines an infectious rhythm with celebratory tones that reflect the monumental achievement of Yuri Gagarin.
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E.V.A. — With its ethereal melodies and driving beats, this track encapsulates the feeling of weightlessness and exploration, inviting listeners into outer space.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines historical audio with modern synth-pop, creating a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a cinematic tone, layering archival audio over synth-driven melodies.
- Each track incorporates samples from historical space missions, creating a narrative flow that connects the songs.
- The instrumentation varies between tracks, with some featuring driving beats while others focus on atmospheric soundscapes.
- The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an impression of reflection and completion.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- dynamic narratives of exploration
- engaging historical audio samples
- varied pacing with momentum shifts
- immersive storytelling through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, singular tracks
- dislike experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Race for Space is Public Service Broadcasting's second studio album, following their debut Inform - Educate - Entertain in 2013. By 2015, the band had established a unique identity by merging historical samples with contemporary soundscapes, gaining recognition for their innovative approach to storytelling through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Battles· The Notwist· Hot Chip
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Race for Space 2:41
- 2 Sputnik 7:09
- 3 Gagarin 3:49
- 4 Fire in the Cockpit 3:02
- 5 E.V.A. 4:16
- 6 The Other Side 6:20
- 7 Valentina 4:29
- 8 Go! 4:13
- 9 Tomorrow 7:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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