Across Six Leap Years cover

Released 13 years ago this October

Across Six Leap Years

Tindersticks · 2013

50 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A lush tapestry of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, blending orchestral elements with the warmth of indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Friday Night — This track opens the album with a haunting vocal performance layered over intricate instrumentation, setting the tone for the reflective nature of the record.
  • →
    Dying Slowly — With its poignant lyrics and a gradual build-up, this song encapsulates themes of vulnerability and loss, showcasing the band's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    What Are You Fighting For? — This closing track offers a culmination of the album's emotional journey, featuring an introspective narrative that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features lush arrangements and introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, orchestral arrangement that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the first half of the tracklist.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, including strings and horns, creating a rich soundscape that complements the vocal melodies.
  • The final three tracks gradually decrease in tempo and intensity, allowing for a more subdued conclusion to the album.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • melancholic reflections on love
  • intimate moments of solitude
  • slow-burning emotional exploration
  • candlelit night listening sessions
  • bittersweet nostalgia in melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of upbeat energy
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Across Six Leap Years is Tindersticks' first studio album in six years, following the 2008 release of The Hungry Saw. At this point in their career, the band was exploring a more mature sound while continuing to evolve their distinctive blend of chamber pop and alternative rock. This album marks a significant return after a period of relative quiet, reigniting interest in their unique musical style.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Friday Night 5:29
  • 2 Marseilles Sunshine 4:30
  • 3 She’s Gone 3:43
  • 4 Dying Slowly 4:27
  • 5 If You’re Looking for a Way Out 4:41
  • 6 Say Goodbye to the City 4:41
  • 7 Sleepy Song 4:39
  • 8 A Night In 6:53
  • 9 I Know That Loving 6:45
  • 10 What Are You Fighting For? 4:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata