DUKE

7th July 1997

Vanishing Point

Primal Scream

Vanishing Point

Vanishing Point came out in 1997, and it’s one of those Primal Scream albums that really showcases the band pushing into cinematic, hypnotic territory. By this point, they’d already made waves with Screamadelica, but this record has a darker, moodier edge while still keeping the groove and experimental spirit that makes them so compelling. It’s immersive, mysterious, and feels like a soundtrack to a late-night journey.

The sound is dense and atmospheric, blending rock, dub, and electronic textures with a slow-burning intensity. Pulsing rhythms, swirling guitars, and subtle synths create a cinematic backdrop for Bobby Gillespie’s cool, detached vocals. There’s tension and release throughout, giving the album a hypnotic flow that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s moody, cinematic, and hypnotic, yet always rhythmic enough to stay engaging.

Tracks like “Kowalski” and “Burning Wheel” hit with driving energy and intricate textures, while “Medication” and “Long Life” pull you into the album’s more atmospheric, contemplative side. “Trainspotting” closes things out with an epic, sprawling feel that really cements the album’s cinematic vibe. Even the shorter tracks, like “Get Duffy” or “If They Move, Kill ’Em,” add to the momentum and keep the record moving.

What makes Vanishing Point worth revisiting is how effortlessly it balances mood, texture, and groove. It’s immersive, adventurous, and full of details that reveal themselves over repeated listens. Whether you’re in it for the cinematic sweep or just the hypnotic rhythms, it’s a record that sticks with you long after the final track ends.

Side 1

  • Burning wheel
  • Get Duffy
  • Kowalski

Side 2

  • Star
  • If they move, kill 'em
  • Out of the void

Side 3

  • Stuka
  • Medication
  • Motörhead

Side 4

  • Trainspotting
  • Long life

AOTY Scores

010089Critic Score
0200164Combined
010075User Score