What makes The Snake by Wildbirds & Peacedrums notable?

The Snake received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to sound and rhythm, being noted by Pitchfork for its captivating artistry. The album helped solidify Wildbirds & Peacedrums' reputation in the international music community, influencing subsequent artists exploring similar sonic landscapes. Released in 2008, The Snake is Wildbirds & Peacedrums' second album, following their debut, Heartcore. At this point, the duo had begun to carve out a unique niche within the experimental music scene, showcasing their ability to combine traditional folk influences with avant-garde elements.

Who is The Snake for?

The Snake works well if you're into intimate moments of quiet reflection, haunting vocals that linger and short tracks with evocative imagery.

How many songs are on The Snake?

The Snake has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Snake

Wildbirds & Peacedrums · 2008

42 min · 10 tracks · experimental music

An ethereal blend of minimalist rhythms and haunting vocals that evoke a sense of both intimacy and vastness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Island — This opening track sets the tone with its delicate instrumentation and captivating vocal harmonies, drawing listeners into the album's atmospheric world.
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Chain of Steel — With its driving rhythm and layered vocals, this track exemplifies the duo's ability to fuse experimental sounds with a palpable emotional core.
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My Heart — As the album's closer, this expansive track encapsulates the emotional depth of the record, gradually building in intensity while maintaining an introspective quality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative soundscapes and strong vocal harmonies, creating a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a minimalist rhythm in 'Island' that sets a meditative tone, which is maintained through the first half.
Vocals are layered and often harmonized, creating an ethereal quality that blends seamlessly with the instrumentation.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Chain of Steel', which transitions from quiet introspection to a more intense climax.
The final track, 'My Heart', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of openness.

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: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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

intimate moments of quiet reflection
haunting vocals that linger
short tracks with evocative imagery
patient unfolding of emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
want highly produced soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2008, The Snake is Wildbirds & Peacedrums' second album, following their debut, Heartcore. At this point, the duo had begun to carve out a unique niche within the experimental music scene, showcasing their ability to combine traditional folk influences with avant-garde elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Julianna Barwick· Sigur Rós· Björk