Transparent
Coil · 1984
49 min · 10 tracks · experimental music
An unsettling blend of industrial soundscapes and experimental textures that challenge the boundaries of conventional music.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Sicktone — This opening track introduces listeners to Coil's blend of harsh electronic sounds and haunting melodies, setting the tone for the album's exploration of discomfort and tension.
-
→
Rape — A controversial piece that confronts societal taboos with its raw subject matter, reflecting Coil's willingness to address dark themes head-on in their work.
-
→
On Balance — This track encapsulates the album's thematic dichotomy between chaos and harmony, showcasing Coil's ability to weave complex narratives through sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and unconventional structures contribute to its distinctiveness within the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a harsh industrial soundscape in 'Sicktone', setting a dissonant tone that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, which disrupt traditional song structures and challenge the listener's expectations.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
Significant within its genre. 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
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- challenging themes provoke thought
- immersive experience for deep listening
- short bursts of raw emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, carefree sounds
- seek conventional song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1984, Transparent marked Coil's first full-length studio album, following their experimental EPs. At this point, Coil was still establishing their identity within the avant-garde music scene, having previously gained attention with their innovative approach to sound and performance.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Throbbing Gristle· Nurse With Wound· Current 93
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sicktone 5:43
- 2 Baptism of Fire 5:03
- 3 Rape 6:09
- 4 Poisons 2:44
- 5 Truth 5:46
- 6 Sewn Open (Rehersal 5.XIII.83) 7:14
- 7 Silence & Secrecy (section) (live at Magenta Club, London 5.XII.1983) 2:05
- 8 Here to Here (Double Headed Secret) 4:45
- 9 Stealing the Words 5:14
- 10 On Balance 4:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.