The slow rust of forgotten machinery
The Tangent · 2017
79 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock
Intricate melodies intertwine with complex rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of sound that explores the depths of human experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slow Rust — This nearly 23-minute epic serves as the album's centerpiece, exemplifying the band’s ability to weave together multiple themes and motifs into a cohesive narrative.
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Doctor Livingstone (I Presume) — This track combines historical references with personal reflection, showcasing the band's lyrical depth while featuring soaring instrumentals that highlight their progressive roots.
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The Sad Story of Lead and Astatine — With its complex structure and poignant storytelling, this song serves as an exploration of scientific themes alongside emotional undertones, making it a perfect representation of the album's intellectual engagement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions with intricate melodies and rhythms, reflecting its progressive rock roots.
What we noticed
- The title track is the longest on the album, featuring multiple sections that shift in tempo and mood, creating a narrative arc.
- The album features extended instrumental passages that allow for improvisation and exploration of themes rather than adhering strictly to verse-chorus structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies that reward patience
- cathartic journeys through soundscapes
- reflective moments of deep thought
- immersive experience for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, catchy tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 2017, The slow rust of forgotten machinery marked The Tangent's return after a four-year hiatus following their album A Spark in the Aether. This seventh studio album demonstrates the band's continued evolution within the progressive rock genre, showcasing their commitment to intricate songwriting and thematic depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spock's Beard· Transatlantic· The Flower Kings
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Two Rope Swings 6:31
- 2 Doctor Livingstone (I Presume) 11:59
- 3 Slow Rust 22:32
- 4 The Sad Story of Lead and Astatine 16:00
- 5 A Few Steps Down the Wrong Road 17:31
- 6 Basildonxit 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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