A Different Kind of Fix cover

A Different Kind of Fix

Bombay Bicycle Club · 2011

50 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A blend of shimmering melodies and introspective lyrics, this album captures a contemplative yet vibrant indie rock essence.

Top tracks — play these first

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    How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep Start here — Opening with atmospheric instrumentation, this track introduces the album's introspective theme, exploring feelings of restlessness and uncertainty through haunting melodies.
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    Lights Out, Words Gone — This song stands out with its infectious chorus and layered harmonies, balancing melancholy with an uplifting drive that encapsulates the band's knack for emotional resonance.
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    Beggars — With a pulsating rhythm and evocative lyrics, this track delves into themes of longing and vulnerability, showcasing the band's ability to meld lyrical depth with engaging soundscapes.
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    Fracture — The song features a dynamic contrast between soft verses and soaring choruses, illustrating the tension between vulnerability and resilience that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that evolves throughout the record.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and relationships, with a focus on personal narratives that unfold over multiple tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective flow
  • youthful introspection and depth
  • for afternoon drives
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Marked a significant artistic moment with sonic diversity and lyrical depth.
Themes
restless nights· introspective melodies
Career context
By the time 'A Different Kind of Fix' was released in January 2011, Bombay Bicycle Club had established themselves as a prominent indie rock band following their breakthrough debut album, 'I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose', in 2009. This sophomore effort further solidified their evolving sound and artistic maturity, showcasing a mix of experimentation and accessibility that would define their trajectory.
Stylistic neighbors
alt-J· Foals· Vampire Weekend

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Beggars

    The lyrics shift from hopeful yearning to stark realization illustrates the complexity of desire and regret.

Tracklist

  • 1 How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep Start here 3:30
  • 2 Bad Timing 3:34
  • 3 Your Eyes 5:20
  • 4 Lights Out, Words Gone 5:01
  • 5 Take the Right One 3:35
  • 6 Shuffle 3:55
  • 7 Beggars 4:11
  • 8 Leave It 3:53
  • 9 Fracture 4:03
  • 10 What You Want 4:19
  • 11 Favourite Day 4:56
  • 12 Still 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata