Review: The Degrees - The Day Out Of Time (Fallen Tree 1Hundred)

A comment I recently read on social media asked “Do people still make albums? What’s the point?” I wish that I could have played them The Day Out Of Time by The Degrees as an answer.

Some great singles have been pulled from the collection, such as “Nothing Else” and “Need You,” yet there’s still more precious stones to be found in the quarry of the album such as “Between The Rain,” “Faith And Belief” and “Follow Me Down.” As with any well-curated album, the whole is more than the sum of its parts—it feels like an audio vacation to some place far off in one’s imagination, not merely a compilation of good tracks. For some of us, that place might be an updated version of beloved 90s memories.



It should come as no surprise when listening to their music that they are Bristol-based. There are nods both obvious and subtle to their forbears in the city’s music history, for example Smith & Mighty, Massive Attack and Portishead. Fortunately, these come off more like re-exploration of certain concepts rather than a cheap exploitation of something familiar.

Getting an accurate impression of artists is another thing that (at least for some) works better in an album context. A variety of mood and energy can make sense over more time, contrasted with singles—where that sort of diversity can seem chaotic. Sound design in the context of an album often adds to the experience in a way that can make listening to the whole quite gratifying.


Treat yourself to the soul-meets-trip-hop sonic resort of The Day Out Of Time by The Degrees—you and your ears deserve something lush.



Artist: The Degrees
Title: The Day Out Of Time
Release Date: 10th February 2023
Label: Fallen Tree 1Hundred
Catalog Number: FT1HLP004