Released 40 years ago
Virus Meadow
And Also the Trees · 1986
37 min · 8 tracks · punk rock
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating an atmospheric blend of post-punk and folk influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slow Pulse Boy — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its atmospheric instrumentation and evocative lyrics that explore themes of isolation and longing.
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Vincent Craine — This track combines haunting melodies with vivid storytelling, illustrating the band's lyrical prowess while showcasing their ability to create emotional depth.
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Virus Meadow — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, weaving together surreal imagery with poignant reflections on existence and nature.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends post-punk and folk influences with atmospheric soundscapes, creating a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build that introduces layered guitar textures and distant vocals, setting a haunting tone.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow the soundscapes to develop before returning to vocal lines.
- The album closes with a title track that gradually fades out, leaving an echoing sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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 reflective moments
- haunting melodies for introspection
- dark atmospheric soundscapes
- thoughtful listening in solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Virus Meadow is And Also the Trees' third studio album. Following their self-titled debut in 1983 and their sophomore effort, The Millpond Years, this album showcases a maturation in their sound, marked by more intricate compositions and lyrical depth as they navigated the post-punk landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Chameleons· Joy Division· Echo & the Bunnymen
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slow Pulse Boy 5:12
- 2 Maps in Her Wrists and Arms 4:20
- 3 The Dwelling Place 2:18
- 4 Vincent Craine 6:23
- 5 Jack 4:36
- 6 The Headless Clay Woman 5:26
- 7 Gone... Like the Swallows 4:16
- 8 Virus Meadow 4:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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