Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
Cinematic electronic track with a sinister, horror soundtrack vibe, slow-building synth layers and a repeating four-chord progression over 24 measures.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: contemplative, introspective, melancholy
Traditions: IDM, ambient, electronic
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 5/10 is within the normal pop-mix band. There is variation between verse and chorus, but it's the kind of variation most listeners encounter routinely.
Sudden changes: mild. There are one or two transitions worth knowing about, though they're musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.
Predictability is high — the song telegraphs what it will do next. A sensory-sensitive listener can usually guess where it's going without close attention.
Vocal style: instrumental.
Where this sits in Boards of Canada's catalog
We have 20 songs from Boards of Canada in the library. Of those, 11 are rated Safe, 7 Moderate, and 2 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 5/10 sits above the artist average of 4.3, making it the #7 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
Other tracks from Tomorrow's Harvest
We have 3 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans moderate in sensory profile.
- Palace Posy — moderate DR 4
- Jacquard Causeway — intense DR 7
2013 context
Released in 2013. We have 408 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.5/10. This track is quieter / less dynamic than the year average. Explore more from the 2010s.
Explore by mood and tradition
Why this rating
We rate this song Moderate because it falls between our Safe and Intense thresholds on at least one dimension. Moderate is the default for most well-produced music that has real arc but no surprise elements. Full rubric: methodology.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-15. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Reach for the Dead"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Reach for the Dead" by Boards of Canada?
"Reach for the Dead" by Boards of Canada rates as Moderate intensity. Dynamic range 5/10, mild sudden changes, layered texture. Moderate is the default for well-produced music with real arc but no surprise elements.
How loud is "Reach for the Dead" — what is its dynamic range?
"Reach for the Dead" has a dynamic range of 5/10. Within normal pop-mix variation. Movement between verse and chorus but nothing dramatic.
Does "Reach for the Dead" have sudden or surprising changes?
"Reach for the Dead" has mild sudden changes — one or two transitions worth knowing about, but they are musically resolved rather than surprise-driven.
What is "Reach for the Dead" best for?
In our library "Reach for the Dead" is recommended for: deep listening, meditation, relaxation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Reach for the Dead" released?
"Reach for the Dead" is from 2013, on the album "Tomorrow's Harvest". It appears in our 2010s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Reach for the Dead"?
We tag "Reach for the Dead" as contemplative, introspective, melancholy. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Reach for the Dead"?
The vocal style is instrumental.
Should I listen to "Reach for the Dead"?
"Reach for the Dead" is Moderate intensity — fine for most listeners, but with enough dynamic activity that it works best as active listening rather than background.
Songs with the same DNA
layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
Safer alternatives with a similar feel
These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.
What this song means to people
No stories yet. Be the first.