What makes Twenty-Two Strings by Ex-Easter Island Head notable?

This album garnered attention for its innovative use of guitars and minimalist composition techniques, impacting the experimental music scene and influencing upcoming artists in post-rock and process music. The reception was positive, with critics noting its ability to create immersive listening experiences, further solidifying Ex-Easter Island Head's reputation in the genre. Released in 2016, Twenty-Two Strings marks Ex-Easter Island Head's exploration of musical minimalism after their previous album, becoming a defining piece in their discography. This release followed their 2014 album, which also focused on experimental sound but did not delve as deeply into the structural complexities presented here.

How many songs are on Twenty-Two Strings?

Twenty-Two Strings has 7 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Twenty-Two Strings

Ex-Easter Island Head · 2016

36 min · 7 tracks · post-rock

An intricate tapestry of interlocking guitar patterns unfolds, creating a meditative soundscape that evolves with each track.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Four Guitars — This opening track introduces the listener to the album's core concept, layering multiple guitar lines that establish both rhythm and melody within a concise framework.
→
Twenty-Two Strings — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, showcasing an expansive nine-minute exploration where harmonic textures evolve organically, inviting deep contemplation.
→
Sixteen Snares — In this track, the interplay between rhythm and melody creates an engaging sonic dialogue that highlights the band's unique approach to minimalist composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate guitar work and minimalist approach create a cohesive and immersive soundscape.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct interplay of guitar patterns, with layers gradually introduced and removed to create a dynamic texture.
Tracks often build on motifs that evolve over time, creating a sense of continuity while exploring variations in tone and rhythm.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Four Guitars 2:25
2 Ten Bells 3:41
3 Two Coins 3:00
4 Sixteen Snares 5:21
5 Twenty-Two Strings 9:34
6 Eight Bridges 6:48
7 Six Sticks 5:32

What to play next

Listen next

Norther

2024

Go back to

Large Electric Ensemble

2014

Full Ex-Easter Island Head discography Artists like Ex-Easter Island Head

minimalist music post-rock process music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata