Released 10 years ago
Varmints
Anna Meredith · 2016
51 min · 12 tracks · classical music
Eclectic electronic textures intertwine with classical motifs, creating a vibrant landscape that defies genre boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nautilus — This opening track sets a dynamic tone for the album, showcasing Meredith's ability to merge intricate melodies with pulsating rhythms that draw listeners into her world.
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R-Type — R-Type exemplifies the album's blend of technology and organic soundscapes, featuring layered instrumentation that creates an immersive auditory experience.
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The Vapours — With its lush arrangements and ethereal quality, this track encapsulates the emotional core of Varmints while demonstrating Meredith's skillful orchestration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalInnovative blend of classical and electronic elements creates a vibrant soundscape that stands out in contemporary classical music.
What we noticed
- The final track, '(Untitled)', serves as an ambient conclusion, fading out gradually and leaving the listener in a reflective space.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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 progression
- immersive sonic landscapes
- background warmth for focus
- explorative listening with detail
- playful contrasts in sound
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Anna Meredith released Varmints in 2016, she had already established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary classical music. This album came after her acclaimed EP, Jet Black Raider, marking a significant evolution in her sound and approach as she transitioned to a full-length project.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Max Richter· Philip Glass· Nils Frahm
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Something Helpful
A section shifts from abstract imagery to direct, confessional language that reveals personal vulnerabilities.
This transition not only grounds the piece but also highlights Meredith's dexterity in navigating between conceptual and emotional storytelling.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nautilus 5:31
- 2 Taken 4:50
- 3 Scrimshaw 4:44
- 4 Something Helpful 3:13
- 5 R-Type 4:42
- 6 Dowager 5:23
- 7 The Vapours 6:34
- 8 Honeyed Words 3:17
- 9 Last Rose 3:32
- 10 Shill 2:48
- 11 Blackfriars 2:58
- 12 (Untitled) 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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