As I Try Not To Fall Apart
White Lies · 2022
47 min · 10 tracks · post-punk revival
A brooding blend of atmospheric synths and driving post-punk rhythms, exploring themes of existential dread and emotional vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
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Am I Really Going to Die — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting lyrics and pulsating rhythm that encapsulates feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
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As I Try Not to Fall Apart — The title track serves as a cathartic anthem, reflecting the struggle of maintaining composure amid chaos, resonating with many listeners facing similar challenges.
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Roll December — This song stands out for its evocative imagery and atmospheric instrumentation, creating a sense of yearning that enriches the overall narrative of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends atmospheric elements with driving rhythms, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build a consistent atmosphere with layered synths and steady rhythms, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat tempo.
- Several tracks feature a prominent use of reverb on vocals, creating a sense of distance and introspection.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
- 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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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting soundscapes for introspection
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- emotional vulnerability in every track
- ideal for quiet evening listens
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and adaptability in a changing music landscape.
- Career context
- As I Try Not to Fall Apart marks White Lies' fourth studio album, following their 2019 release, Five. The band found themselves navigating a changing music landscape while striving to maintain their signature sound, which blends dark romanticism with anthemic melodies. This album comes during a phase of artistic evolution, as they sought to address more personal and introspective themes in their lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Interpol· Editors· The National
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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There Is No Cure for It
The narrator confronts their inner turmoil directly, acknowledging feelings of despair without offering any resolution.
This moment starkly contrasts with typical lyrical resolutions, emphasizing a raw honesty that deepens the emotional impact of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Am I Really Going to Die 4:48
- 2 As I Try Not to Fall Apart 4:58
- 3 Breathe 4:46
- 4 I Don’t Want to Go to Mars 4:37
- 5 Step Outside 4:05
- 6 Roll December 6:44
- 7 Ragworm 4:32
- 8 Blue Drift 5:00
- 9 The End 3:54
- 10 There Is No Cure for It 4:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Antics
Interpol
Shares a similar atmospheric post-punk sound with introspective lyrics and driving rhythms.
Sleep Well Beast
The National
Explores themes of emotional vulnerability with a brooding soundscape and layered instrumentation.
In Dream
Editors
Features dark romanticism and anthemic melodies, blending atmospheric synths with post-punk influences.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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