An Awesome Wave is the groundbreaking debut album by British band alt-J, released on May 25, 2012. A genre-defying masterpiece, the album blends elements of indie rock, folk, electronic, and experimental music, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience. Its intricate compositions and cryptic lyrics invite listeners into a world of vivid imagery and layered storytelling.

The album features standout tracks like “Breezeblocks,” a hypnotic and unsettling exploration of obsession; “Taro,” a poetic homage to war photographer Robert Capa; and “Matilda,” a tender tribute inspired by the film Leon: The Professional. Other tracks, such as the ethereal “Tessellate” and the atmospheric “Something Good,” showcase the band’s ability to craft songs that are both innovative and emotionally resonant.

With its blend of unconventional song structures, rich harmonies, and diverse instrumentation, An Awesome Wave earned widespread critical acclaim and won the 2012 Mercury Prize, propelling alt-J to international fame. The album’s title, taken from a line in American author S.E. Hinton’s novel The Last Ride Together, reflects its fluid, unpredictable nature.

An Awesome Wave remains a landmark in modern music, celebrated for its originality and the seamless fusion of disparate influences into a cohesive and captivating whole.

Tracklist:

Side A
A1. Intro
A2. Interlude 1
A3. Tessellate
A4. Breezeblocks
A5. Interlude 2
A6. Something Good
A7. Dissolve Me

Side B
B1. Matilda
B2. Ms
B3. Fitzpleasure
B4. Interlude 3
B5. Bloodflood
B6. Taro
B7. Hand-Made