What makes Alice by the Moon by The Checks notable?

The album received positive critical reception, particularly for its lyrical depth and musicality, which helped solidify The Checks' standing in the indie rock genre. Tracks from the album garnered airplay on New Zealand radio stations, contributing to their growing fanbase and recognition within the local music community. Released in early 2009, Alice by the Moon was The Checks' second studio album, following their debut, Hunting Whales. At this point in their career, the band aimed to build on their initial success, experimenting with more complex songwriting and production techniques as they established their identity in the New Zealand rock scene.

How many songs are on Alice by the Moon?

Alice by the Moon has 13 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Alice by the Moon

The Checks · 2009

50 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics creates a reflective yet energetic soundscape throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bagheera — Opening the album with an infectious energy, Bagheera showcases a catchy chorus and intricate guitar work that sets the tone for the entire record.
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Crows — Crows stands out for its haunting melodies and evocative imagery, encapsulating themes of longing and reflection that permeate the album.
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Let Your Lover Know — This track features poignant storytelling paired with a driving rhythm, highlighting the band's ability to combine emotional depth with accessible rock sounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc across its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate jangly guitar riffs that create a bright, energetic sound, contrasting with introspective lyrical themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Bagheera 4:45
2 You and Me 4:27
3 Crows 3:29
4 Ballroom Baby 3:28
5 Back of the Restaurant 3:16
6 Any Man Here Will Run You In 3:24
7 God Birds 3:55
8 Till the Dance Is Over 3:16
9 Isabella 4:01
10 Get Off the Stage Man 3:16
11 Let Your Lover Know 4:13
12 Wait in the Summer 3:43
13 Hold My Head 4:57

What to play next

Go back to

Hunting Whales

2007

Full The Checks discography Artists like The Checks

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata