All That the Rain Promises cover

All That the Rain Promises

Bombadil · 2011

32 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

Quaint melodies intertwine with whimsical storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of folk-infused narratives and playful instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    I Will Wait — Opening with a catchy melody, this track showcases the band's ability to blend upbeat rhythms with introspective lyrics about patience and longing.
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    The Pony Express — This song captures the essence of adventure and nostalgia, weaving a tale that highlights Bombadil's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery.
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    Flour Water Sugar — With its playful instrumentation and clever lyrics, this track exemplifies Bombadil's unique style by combining everyday themes with an infectious energy.
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    One Whole Year — The emotional weight of this track is underscored by its gentle melody, reflecting on the passage of time and the complexities of relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and playful storytelling, making it a notable entry in the indie folk genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks employ a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to allow for lyrical reflection.
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
6/10

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

  • whimsical melodies for lighthearted moments
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • introspective lyrics in sunny settings
  • playful tunes for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lengthy immersive experiences
  • prefer darker, heavier themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, All That the Rain Promises marks Bombadil's third studio album, following their self-titled debut and the sophomore effort, Tarpits and Canyonlands. At this stage, the band was refining their distinctive sound, blending traditional folk elements with a contemporary sensibility while maintaining their DIY ethos.
Stylistic neighbors
The Oh Hellos· Sufjan Stevens· The Paper Kites

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I Will Wait 2:52
  • 2 The Pony Express 3:24
  • 3 Laundromat 3:16
  • 4 Flour Water Sugar 2:27
  • 5 Avery 1:49
  • 6 Leather Belt 2:35
  • 7 A Question 2:58
  • 8 Good Morning Everyone 1:20
  • 9 One Whole Year 3:23
  • 10 Short Side of the Wall 5:37
  • 11 Unicycle 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata