Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO cover

Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO

The Besnard Lakes · 2013

48 min · 8 tracks · indie rock

A lush tapestry of reverb-drenched guitars and ethereal harmonies, enveloping listeners in a dreamlike indie rock experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    And Her Eyes Were Painted Gold — This track features soaring melodies and intricate layers that exemplify the band's signature style, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after it ends.
  • →
    The Spectre — With its driving rhythm and expansive soundscape, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of tension and release, showcasing the band's ability to craft dynamic musical narratives.
  • →
    Catalina — Catalina stands out for its hypnotic groove and rich vocal harmonies, illustrating the band's knack for blending melodic hooks with experimental sound textures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's lush soundscapes and vocal harmonies create a distinct and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features extensive use of reverb on guitars, creating a layered sound that feels immersive and expansive.
  • Vocal harmonies are prominent throughout, often blending multiple voices in a way that enhances the ethereal quality of the music.
  • Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, with quieter verses building into more intense choruses, adding to the emotional weight.
  • The final track fades out gradually, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere that contrasts with the more structured earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective journey
  • dreamlike exploration of memory
  • layered harmonies for deep listening
  • ideal for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO marks The Besnard Lakes' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their distinct sound characterized by elaborate arrangements and atmospheric production, gaining traction within the indie rock scene.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • People of the Sticks

    The bridge shifts perspective unexpectedly, transitioning from a reflective tone to addressing an unidentified 'you', creating an intimate connection amidst br…

    This moment's shift in address draws listeners into a personal confrontation that contrasts with the earlier thematic distance, enriching the song's emotional depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 46 Satires 6:43
  • 2 And Her Eyes Were Painted Gold 5:23
  • 3 People of the Sticks 5:25
  • 4 The Spectre 6:31
  • 5 At Midnight 5:48
  • 6 Catalina 6:13
  • 7 Colour Yr Lights In 5:22
  • 8 Alamogordo 7:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata