The Rise of Immersive Music: How Lengthy, Live Albums and Psychedelic Electronica Signal a Shift in Listening Habits
Over 75 minutes. That’s the runtime of Bruiser and Bicycle’s new album, Deep Country – a length that, just a decade ago, would have been considered a barrier to entry for most listeners. But today, it’s a signal. A signal that the music industry, and listeners themselves, are embracing a return to immersive, long-form experiences, fueled by a desire for deeper engagement and a rejection of the hyper-fragmented attention spans fostered by streaming.
The Long-Play Revival: Beyond the Single
The dominance of the single has been a defining characteristic of the streaming era. But artists like Bruiser and Bicycle, who recorded Deep Country entirely live, are pushing back. This isn’t just about nostalgia for the album format; it’s about crafting a cohesive journey. The 15-song tracklist isn’t a collection of individual tracks, but a single, sprawling soundscape, inviting listeners to “get lost,” as the album’s description suggests. This approach, blending jangle pop and progressive folk, echoes a broader trend: a move away from instant gratification and towards sustained attention. The live recording aspect is crucial, injecting a rawness and spontaneity often lost in meticulously produced studio albums.
Why Length Matters: The Attention Economy and Musical Depth
The willingness of artists to release lengthy albums speaks to a changing understanding of value in the attention economy. Listeners are increasingly seeking experiences that demand – and reward – their full focus. This is where the comparison to “taking an edible” comes in; it’s a playful acknowledgement that fully appreciating these albums requires a dedicated block of time and a willingness to surrender to the music. This contrasts sharply with the background listening often associated with streaming playlists. The success of artists embracing this model will likely hinge on their ability to create truly compelling and rewarding sonic worlds.
From Freak-Folk to Art-Pop: The Evolution of Sonic Palates
Bruiser and Bicycle’s journey from lo-fi freak-folk to proggy art-pop isn’t isolated. It reflects a broader trend of genre blending and experimentation. This is particularly evident in the parallel release of Feeo’s debut album, Goodness. While Bruiser and Bicycle lean into expansive instrumentation and live performance, Feeo explores the possibilities of droning, ambient electronic music. However, both artists share a common thread: a willingness to challenge conventional structures and embrace sonic textures that are both complex and emotionally resonant.
The Interplay of Electronic and Organic: Feeo and the Future of Psychedelia
Feeo’s work, described as “softly psychedelic,” demonstrates how electronic music is evolving beyond simple beats and melodies. Her compositions “warp, buzz, and whirr,” creating a hypnotic backdrop for vocals that feel “exhumed from ancient folk song.” This juxtaposition of the modern and the archaic is a hallmark of contemporary psychedelia, and it’s a sound that’s gaining traction. The influence of artists like Loraine James and Caius Williams, with whom Feeo has collaborated, further underscores this trend. The Guardian’s review of Goodness highlights the album’s ability to create a deeply immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
Implications for the Music Industry and Beyond
These releases aren’t just interesting artistic statements; they’re indicators of a potential shift in how music is consumed and valued. The success of lengthy, immersive albums could incentivize artists to prioritize depth over brevity, and to experiment with live performance as a means of creating unique and engaging experiences. This could also lead to a resurgence of interest in album art, liner notes, and other elements of the physical music experience. Furthermore, the blending of genres and the embrace of sonic experimentation suggest a growing appetite for music that defies easy categorization. This trend could extend beyond music, influencing other forms of immersive entertainment, such as video games and virtual reality experiences.
What are your predictions for the future of long-form music? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
