About this album
Where they were
Released in 1998, 'Psyence Fiction' marked Unkle's debut album, a collaboration between DJ Shadow and James Lavelle that showcased a blend of trip-hop and rock influences. After the underground success of the Mo' Wax label, this album positioned Unkle as a key player in the burgeoning electronic music scene, further solidifying their artistic vision in the late 90s.
Why it matters
'Psyence Fiction' was critically acclaimed, receiving praise from notable publications like NME and The Guardian, which helped it enter the UK Albums Chart at number 9. Its innovative fusion of genres influenced a wave of artists within the trip-hop and electronic scenes, making it a seminal work of the era.
Essential tracks
- "Lonely Soul" — Featuring Richard Ashcroft's haunting vocals, 'Lonely Soul' exemplifies the album's emotional depth and ethereal quality, blending melancholic lyrics with lush instrumentation.
- "Rabbit in Your Headlights" — 'Rabbit in Your Headlights' combines visceral storytelling with a hypnotic beat, showcasing the album's unique ability to merge narrative and sound seamlessly.
- "Bloodstain" — This track features a powerful collaboration with artist Ian Brown, capturing the album's gritty essence through its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics.
Release Date
September 29, 1998
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Guns Blazing (Drums of Death, Part 1) 5:02
- 2 Unkle (Main Title Theme) 3:24
- 3 Bloodstain 5:57
- 4 Unreal 5:10
- 5 Lonely Soul 8:56
- 6 Getting Ahead in the Lucrative Field of Artist Management 0:54
- 7 Nursery Rhyme / Breather 4:45
- 8 Celestial Annihilation 4:45
- 9 The Knock (Drums of Death, Part 2) 3:57
- 10 Chaos 4:42
- 11 Rabbit in Your Headlights 6:20
- 12 Outro 1:07
- 13 Guns Blazing (Drums of Death, Part 1) (instrumental) 4:02
- 14 The Knock (Drums of Death, Part 2) (instrumental) 3:52
