What makes Untrue by Burial notable?

Untrue received widespread critical acclaim upon release, being hailed by publications like The Guardian and Pitchfork as a pivotal work in electronic music. It significantly influenced the evolution of dubstep and future garage, impacting numerous artists and shaping the sound of experimental electronic music in the years that followed. Released in 2007, Untrue is Burial's sophomore album, following his acclaimed debut, self-titled album from 2006. At this point, Burial was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the UK underground music scene, particularly within the dubstep genre, and Untrue further solidified his innovative approach to ambient and future garage sounds.

Untrue works well if you're into haunting urban soundscapes, dynamic ebb and flow and immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Untrue?

Untrue has 13 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Untrue

Burial · 2007

50 min · 13 tracks · ambient music

Ethereal soundscapes blend with fractured beats, creating a haunting ambiance that evokes urban isolation and melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Archangel — This track features haunting vocal samples layered over a syncopated bassline, showcasing Burial's signature blend of emotional depth and rhythmic complexity.
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Ghost Hardware — With its ghostly atmosphere and intricate percussion, this track exemplifies Burial's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of dubstep.
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Homeless — The emotional weight of this track is amplified by its sparse arrangement and melancholic melodies, making it a standout representation of the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Burial's 'Untrue' excels in crafting immersive soundscapes while maintaining a distinct identity within ambient music.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of ambient textures layered over fragmented beats, creating a sense of urban isolation.
Tracks often utilize vocal samples that are heavily processed and manipulated, contributing to the haunting atmosphere.
The pacing is deliberately slow, with many tracks extending beyond four minutes, allowing for gradual development of soundscapes.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

haunting urban soundscapes
dynamic ebb and flow
immersive listening sessions
contemplative late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2007, Untrue is Burial's sophomore album, following his acclaimed debut, self-titled album from 2006. At this point, Burial was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the UK underground music scene, particularly within the dubstep genre, and Untrue further solidified his innovative approach to ambient and future garage sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: James Blake· Mount Kimbie· Forest Swords