Trance and Dance
Martha and the Muffins · 1980
46 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A vibrant fusion of new wave and post-punk energy, blurring the lines between dance music and art rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Motorbikin' — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics that encapsulate the carefree spirit of youth and summer fun.
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Suburban Dream — Opening the album, this song captures a sense of disillusionment with suburban life, blending catchy melodies with poignant social commentary.
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Trance and Dance — The title track masterfully melds a hypnotic groove with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's artistic ambition and musical coherence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic new wave with art rock elements, showcasing distinct songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving beat and layered synths, establishing an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Motorbikin'' which shifts from a steady groove to a frenetic pace.
- The use of spoken word sections in songs like 'Am I On?' adds a unique texture that contrasts with the melodic choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
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
- short bursts of infectious energy
- playful rhythms for social gatherings
- dynamic tracks for dance floors
- eclectic sounds that encourage movement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative music
- want lengthy, introspective albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1980, Trance and Dance was Martha and the Muffins' second studio album, following their debut, Metro Music. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to gain traction in the Canadian music scene, establishing themselves as notable players in the emerging new wave movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Talking Heads· Devo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Suburban Dream 3:27
- 2 Luna Park 3:11
- 3 Was Ezo 4:00
- 4 Teddy the Dink 3:27
- 5 Symptomatic Love 4:08
- 6 Primal Weekend 5:10
- 7 Halfway Through the Week 3:40
- 8 Am I On? 3:24
- 9 Motorbikin' 2:55
- 10 About Insomnia 3:10
- 11 Be Blasé 2:39
- 12 Trance and Dance 7:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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