Wash the Sins Not Only the Face
Esben and the Witch · 2013
46 min · 10 tracks · post-rock
A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and ethereal vocals that evoke a sense of introspective desolation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Iceland Spar — This opening track sets a chilling tone with its delicate instrumentation and layered vocals, establishing the album's haunting atmosphere right from the start.
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Deathwaltz — A standout for its dynamic shifts between serene melodies and intense crescendos, showcasing the band's ability to create emotional depth through contrasting sounds.
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Smashed to Pieces in the Still of the Night — The sprawling closer encapsulates the album’s themes of chaos and introspection, gradually building tension before delivering an explosive resolution that lingers long after.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends atmospheric soundscapes with haunting vocals, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lengthy instrumental track that sets a dark, atmospheric tone, followed by tracks that gradually introduce ethereal vocals.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental passages that build tension before resolving into more melodic sections, creating a dynamic ebb and flow.
- The final track is notably longer than the others, allowing for an expansive conclusion that contrasts with the more concise earlier pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- immersive journey through darkness
- haunting vocals for introspection
- slow, reflective pacing throughout
- for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 18, 2013, 'Wash the Sins Not Only the Face' is Esben and the Witch's sophomore album, following their acclaimed debut 'Violet Cries' from 2011. At this point, the band was solidifying their distinct sound in the post-rock genre while gaining momentum in both the UK and international music scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sigur Rós· Godspeed You! Black Emperor· This Will Destroy You
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Despair
The verses maintain a stark repetition that mirrors feelings of hopelessness, with a gradual build towards a more cathartic release in the chorus.
This structural choice emphasizes the weight of despair before breaking into an emotional peak, reflecting the struggle between stagnation and liberation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Iceland Spar 2:34
- 2 Slow Wave 4:35
- 3 When That Head Splits 4:34
- 4 Shimmering 4:33
- 5 Deathwaltz 4:56
- 6 Yellow Wood 5:40
- 7 Despair 2:50
- 8 Putting Down the Prey 4:16
- 9 The Fall of Glorieta Mountain 5:13
- 10 Smashed to Pieces in the Still of the Night 7:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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