Xerrox Vol.2 cover

Xerrox Vol.2

Alva Noto · 2009

66 min · 11 tracks · electronica

A delicate interplay of fragmented melodies and abstract soundscapes creates an immersive auditory experience that challenges perception.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Xerrox Phaser Acat 1 — This track sets the tone for the album with its expansive duration, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in its intricate textures and evolving sonic layers.
  • →
    Xerrox Soma — Here, Noto employs rhythmic pulses that contrast with ethereal sounds, creating a dynamic interplay that showcases his mastery in blending structure with abstraction.
  • →
    Xerrox Monophaser 2 — This piece exemplifies Noto's use of silence and space, emphasizing how absence can be just as powerful as sound in constructing emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate sound design and immersive qualities make it a notable entry in experimental electronica.

What we noticed

  • The album features a series of tracks that each explore different textures and sound manipulations, often layering electronic tones with silence.
  • Many tracks utilize gradual build-ups, where sounds slowly emerge and recede, creating a sense of ebb and flow throughout the record.
  • Several pieces incorporate glitch elements, with abrupt interruptions that challenge traditional listening patterns and encourage active engagement.
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
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive soundscape for deep focus
  • wave-like pacing encourages reflection
  • gradual build with rewarding resolution
  • ideal for late-night listening
  • minimalist melodies for calm environments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Xerrox Vol.2 is Alva Noto's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed work on Xerrox Vol.1 released in 2007. At this point in his career, Noto was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the experimental electronica genre, utilizing minimalism and digital manipulation to explore the boundaries of sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Ryuichi Sakamoto· Fennesz· Murcof

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Xerrox Phaser Acat 1 12:11
  • 2 Xerrox Rin 0:51
  • 3 Xerrox Soma 7:11
  • 4 Xerrox Meta Phaser 6:23
  • 5 Xerrox Sora 6:54
  • 6 Xerrox Monophaser 1 8:04
  • 7 Xerrox Monophaser 2 5:31
  • 8 Xerrox Teion 2:03
  • 9 Xerrox Teion Acat 5:26
  • 10 Xerrox Tek, Part 1 5:28
  • 11 Xerrox Monophaser 3 6:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata