Tree of Stars cover

Tree of Stars

Failure · 2014

23 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A cosmic blend of heavy riffs and ethereal soundscapes that captures the essence of Failure's signature space rock style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Frogs (live) — This track exemplifies the band's dynamic range, showcasing intricate guitar work alongside atmospheric vocals that transport listeners into their signature sound world.
  • →
    Come Crashing — As a studio track included in this live compilation, it fuses heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics, encapsulating the emotional depth that characterizes Failure's music.
  • →
    Heliotropic (live) — The extended jam on this track highlights the band's improvisational skills, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of their live performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The EP blends heavy riffs with atmospheric soundscapes, showcasing both energy and introspection.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature heavy guitar riffs that dominate the sound, while the last two tracks introduce more atmospheric elements.
  • The live recordings capture audience interaction, adding a layer of energy and spontaneity to the performances.
  • The final track, 'Come Crashing', contrasts with the earlier songs by incorporating a slower tempo and more introspective lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • brief cosmic sound explorations
  • live energy and spontaneity
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • immersive sonic landscapes
  • introspective moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer album experiences
  • seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2014, Tree of Stars is a live album marking Failure's return after a lengthy hiatus since their breakup in 1997. This album showcases the band's evolution, featuring tracks that reflect their established sound while also demonstrating a renewed energy in their performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Hum· Catherine Wheel· A Perfect Circle

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Let It Drip (live) 3:11
  • 2 Frogs (live) 4:52
  • 3 Sergeant Politeness (live) 4:18
  • 4 Heliotropic (live) 6:33
  • 5 Come Crashing 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata