EVERYWHERE AT THE END OF TIME - THE CARETAKER

Recommended

Everywhere at the end of time is an album released in six parts from 2016 to 2019 by the Caretaker, eventually forming one cohesive, 6-hour experience.

The album is a concept album that follows the gradual and terrifying effects of Alzheimer's on someone's brain (it is musically implied to be an older person's brain that is being affected) from beginning to end. The music reflects this, starting off normal and completely degrading by the end of the album.

The Caretaker's immense attention to texture and detail cannot be praised enough. He has a perfect sense for when to stop using, intensify, or introduce some new effect to a song for the album to not have a singular dull moment in its lengthy runtime.

Everywhere at the end of time excels at captivating the listener and making the listener feel a range of emotions. Throughout its run time there were moments where I felt sad, moments where I felt unnerved, and moments where I felt calm. At times I was completely and fully lost in this album to the point where I zoned out my surroundings.

Although the album is mostly great, I would say that Stage 5 is one of the weaker stages in the album. It's not bad by any means, but I feel it was not as impactful emotionally as the other sections of the album. That being said, it still contributes more than it detracts from the overall experience of the album.

Normally in this part of the review I would list my track highlights, but this album is so expansive that it would be nearly impossible to narrow it down to individual tracks. That being said, side F and Stage 6 are probably two of the best sections of this album. Side F sets up Stages 4 - 6 with grace, while Stage 6 is a beautiful and tragic representation of the complete loss of the mind and its eventual death.

Overall, Everywhere at the end of time is an album that executes its concept perfectly, to the degree I would find it odd if someone felt nothing when listing to it. This is album that's exhausting and draining to listening to, but this is a good thing given its core concept of portraying just how harrowing Alzheimer's can be. I would recommend trying to experience as much of it at the same time as you can, and if at all possible trying to listen to the full thing in one sitting.