Systems/Layers - Rachel's
Systems/Layers Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The fifth LP for the chamber-pop trio is a collaboration with the New York-based progressive theater collective SITI Company.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Nude As The News
    90
    Rachel's has produced one hell of a gorgeous concept album - a sort of Dark Side Of The Moon for the Debussy set.
  2. Almost Cool
    80
    With the field recordings, the release at times resembles the more sublime moments of Set Fire To Flames, but with more strings and a slightly less bleak sound.
  3. No Ripcord
    80
    Rachel's albums are consistently greater than the sum of their parts.
  4. Neumu.net
    60
    It seems distinct from the discography that came before it (in both a good and a bad way), with intermittent moments definitely treading foreign waters, for both the band and its devoted followers.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. jbertsch
    10
    It's been about 9 years since this album came out, and it still speaks to me in ways almost no other music ever has. I can only think of one other album that I'd equate its powers to... that album, and Systems/Layers, are my two favorite albums ever. However, they aren't the first two albums I'd claim to be classics when having a conversation with friends about seminal/classic albums in music history, because Rachel's are mine. They're not for everyone. This album hits nerves of mine with precision...nerves that I've always thought to be my idiosyncricies. Systems/Layers may not be what the world wants, but it's what I want. It's gracious beauty is comforting, mysterious, reflective, and so simple. If you think you're interested in Rachel's, you may find System/Layers as rewarding as I have. Give it a shot.… Collapse
  2. Ben
    10
    When this album came out, it went almost un-noticed, but this CD demands listening. Imagine the ambient/chamber-group version of OK Computer. It's subtle, nuanced, with perfectly set string arrangements, and all gorgeously recorded. This is not only a wonderful work of musical composition; the work put into systems/layers in the studio is just astounding. Worth it all the way.… Expand
  3. [Anonymous]
    7
    Every thing they do is consistently good.This is not quite as good as The Sea and Bells or Music for Egon Schiele.

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