A Larum
Johnny Flynn · 2008
52 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk melodies woven with poetic storytelling and a touch of theatrical flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Wrote & The Writ — This track showcases Flynn's lyrical prowess, blending storytelling with melodic intricacies that exemplify the album's overall theme of introspection and connection.
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Brown Trout Blues — With its vivid imagery and melancholic undertones, this song captures the essence of Flynn's narrative style while highlighting his ability to evoke emotion through simple yet profound lyrics.
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Shore to Shore — This track stands out for its lush instrumentation and anthemic quality, representing a turning point in the album where hopefulness emerges from previous melancholy themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A Larum showcases strong songwriting and performance but lacks the cohesion and distinctiveness of more established works.
What we noticed
- Flynn's vocal delivery often shifts between spoken word and melodic singing, adding a theatrical quality to the storytelling.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, with 'The Wrote & The Writ' transitioning from a brisk pace to a slower, reflective section.
- The final track, 'All the Dogs Are Lying Down,' concludes with an extended instrumental fade-out that contrasts with the lyrical content of earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 moments
- poetic storytelling with nostalgia
- intricate melodies for deep listening
- for afternoon introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, A Larum is Johnny Flynn's debut album, marking his entry into the folk music scene. At this point, Flynn was establishing his artistic identity after gaining attention through live performances and earlier EPs.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Howard· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Box 3:36
- 2 The Wrote & The Writ 4:07
- 3 Tickle Me Pink 3:11
- 4 Brown Trout Blues 5:02
- 5 Eyeless in Holloway 4:05
- 6 Shore to Shore 4:23
- 7 Cold Bread 3:29
- 8 Wayne Rooney 4:17
- 9 Leftovers 4:15
- 10 Sally 3:35
- 11 Hong Kong Cemetry 4:51
- 12 Tunnels 3:08
- 13 All the Dogs Are Lying Down 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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