Released 10 years ago this October
Two Vines
Empire of the Sun · 2016
51 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
Dreamy synths blend with infectious melodies, creating a vibrant soundscape that is both nostalgic and futuristic.
Top tracks — play these first
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High and Low — This track encapsulates the album's uplifting spirit with its catchy chorus and anthemic production, highlighting the duo's ability to craft danceable yet introspective music.
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Two Vines — The title track weaves lush instrumentals with reflective lyrics, serving as a thematic anchor for the album's exploration of growth and connection.
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Digital Life — With its electronic beats and playful lyrics, this song comments on modern existence and technology's role in our lives, showcasing the duo's knack for blending social commentary with dance music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends electronic and rock elements effectively, showcasing strong production but with some familiar sounds.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the subsequent tracks introduce varying rhythms and textures.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a lush, atmospheric quality, particularly in 'Two Vines' and 'Digital Life'.
- The album closes with a gradual tempo drop in the last two tracks, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- introspective vibes for reflection
- uplifting anthems for group enjoyment
- for sunny day drives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in late 2016, Two Vines is Empire of the Sun's third studio album, following their 2013 record, Ice on the Dune. The band aimed to explore new sonic territories while maintaining their signature blend of electronic and rock elements, showcasing a more mature sound in the process.
- Stylistic neighbors
- MGMT· Passion Pit· Cut Copy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Friends
The lyrics shift from celebration to vulnerability, reflecting on relationships and personal connections.
This juxtaposition between joy and introspection deepens the emotional impact of the song, revealing layers to what initially seems like a straightforward anthem.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Before 4:05
- 2 High and Low 3:45
- 3 Two Vines 3:50
- 4 Friends 3:20
- 5 There’s No Need 3:28
- 6 Way to Go 3:12
- 7 Ride 4:07
- 8 Digital Life 4:02
- 9 First Crush 4:11
- 10 ZZZ 3:10
- 11 To Her Door 3:56
- 12 Keystone 2:31
- 13 Lend Me Some Light 3:30
- 14 Welcome to My Life 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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