Virtual State cover

Virtual State

Richard H. Kirk · 1993

74 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

A sprawling exploration of ambient soundscapes interwoven with rhythmic pulses and fragmented melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

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    November X Ray Mexico — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric textures and complex layering, embodying Kirk's ability to create immersive sound environments.
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    Frequency Band — The track features hypnotic rhythms and a pulsating bassline, highlighting Kirk's knack for blending danceable elements with avant-garde soundscapes.
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    The Feeling (Of Warmth & Beauty) — This piece stands out for its emotive qualities, juxtaposing serene melodies with intricate electronic manipulations that evoke a deep sense of introspection.
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    World War Three — The track utilizes dissonant sounds and unsettling textures to comment on socio-political themes, showcasing Kirk's engagement with contemporary issues through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative sound exploration with strong production, though its cohesion suffers from abrupt transitions.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, evolving tracks that often blend ambient textures with rhythmic elements, creating a sense of space and movement.
  • Several tracks utilize layered synths that gradually build in intensity, while others introduce percussive elements that punctuate the soundscapes.
  • The sequencing includes abrupt transitions between tracks, which can disrupt the flow but also adds to the experimental nature of the work.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 November X Ray Mexico 8:33
  • 2 Frequency Band 6:26
  • 3 Come 8:02
  • 4 Freezone 6:52
  • 5 Clandestine Transmission 6:36
  • 6 The Feeling (Of Warmth & Beauty) 6:08
  • 7 Velodrome 6:56
  • 8 Soul Catcher 7:08
  • 9 World War Three 5:52
  • 10 Lagoon West 12:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata