Spleen and Ideal
Dead Can Dance · 1985
38 min · 9 tracks · ethereal wave · neoclassical dark wave
Ethereal soundscapes meld with haunting vocals, creating a mesmerizing journey through sorrow and transcendence.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions steady, consistent energy levels dynamic emotional journeys
- Context
- Released in November 1985, 'Spleen and Ideal' was Dead Can Dance's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this stage, the band was beginning to solidify their unique sound, blending elements of world music and neoclassical influences that would define their career trajectory. This album marked a pivotal moment as they transitioned from post-punk roots into more experimental territory.
- If you like
- ethereal wave, neoclassical dark wave
- What next
- Within the Realm of a Dying Sun — Continues the ethereal soundscapes with deeper exploration of themes and atmosphere.
Spleen and Ideal is an album by Dead Can Dance, released in 1985. Ethereal soundscapes meld with haunting vocals, creating a mesmerizing journey through sorrow and transcendence. 'Spleen and Ideal' is significant for cementing Dead Can Dance's place in the ethereal wave genre, receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The album has been influential in shaping the dark wave scene, impacting numerous artists who followed, while also charting modestly in various markets that appreciated its avant-garde approach. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Spleen and Ideal sound like?
Ethereal soundscapes meld with haunting vocals, creating a mesmerizing journey through sorrow and transcendence. Rooted in ethereal wave and neoclassical dark wave.
What makes Spleen and Ideal by Dead Can Dance notable?
'Spleen and Ideal' is significant for cementing Dead Can Dance's place in the ethereal wave genre, receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The album has been influential in shaping the dark wave scene, impacting numerous artists who followed, while also charting modestly in various markets that appreciated its avant-garde approach. Released in November 1985, 'Spleen and Ideal' was Dead Can Dance's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this stage, the band was beginning to solidify their unique sound, blending elements of world music and neoclassical influences that would define their career trajectory. This album marked a pivotal moment as they transitioned from post-punk roots into more experimental territory.
Who is Spleen and Ideal for?
Spleen and Ideal works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, steady, consistent energy levels and dynamic emotional journeys.
How many songs are on Spleen and Ideal?
Spleen and Ideal has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 De Profundis (Out of the Depths of Sorrow) Standout 4:00
- 2 Ascension 3:05
- 3 Circumradiant Dawn 3:17
- 4 The Cardinal Sin Standout 5:29
- 5 Mesmerism 3:53
- 6 Enigma of the Absolute 4:13
- 7 Advent 5:19
- 8 Avatar 4:35
- 9 Indoctrination (A Design for Living) Standout 4:13
Release Date
November 1, 1985
Artist Origin
Australia
Runtime
38 min 7 sec
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