What makes Ashes Grammar by A Sunny Day in Glasgow notable?

'Ashes Grammar' received significant critical acclaim, being praised for its experimental approach to songwriting. The album was noted for its influence on the revival of shoegaze and dream pop aesthetics in the late 2000s, contributing to a resurgence of interest in these genres. Released on September 1, 2009, 'Ashes Grammar' marked A Sunny Day in Glasgow's second album following their debut, 'The Sunniest Day Ever'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the shoegaze genre, developing a sound characterized by lush instrumentation and intricate vocal harmonies.

How many songs are on Ashes Grammar?

Ashes Grammar has 22 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Ashes Grammar

A Sunny Day in Glasgow · 2009

63 min · 22 tracks · shoegaze

A swirling blend of ethereal melodies and layered textures that capture the essence of shoegaze's dreamy allure.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Close Chorus — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of melodic richness and atmospheric layering, showcasing standout vocal harmonies that envelop the listener.
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Failure — With its introspective lyrics and haunting instrumentation, this song captures the emotional depth that permeates the album, illustrating vulnerability amidst sonic expansiveness.
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Passionate Introverts (Dinosaurs) — This track features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, reflecting the band's ability to intertwine complex arrangements with accessible melodies, making it a highlight of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental approach and layered textures contribute to its distinct sound within the shoegaze genre.

What we noticed

The album features a dense layering of guitars and synths, creating a wall of sound that characterizes the shoegaze genre.
Vocals are often treated with reverb and delay, blending them into the instrumentation rather than placing them at the forefront.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo that challenge traditional verse-chorus forms.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Magna for Annie, Josh and Robin 0:10
2 Secrets at the Prom 0:42
3 Slaughter Killing Carnage (The Meaning of Words) 2:12
4 Failure 3:30
5 Curse Words 1:43
6 Close Chorus 6:24
7 Shy 5:44
8 Lights 0:22
9 Passionate Introverts (Dinosaurs) 4:31
10 West Philly Vocoder 2:05
11 Evil, With Evil, Against Evil 2:30
12 The White Witch 3:51
13 Nitetime Rainbows 5:31
14 Canalfish 1:30
15 Loudly 1:51
16 Blood White 4:20
17 Ashes Grammar 1:11
18 Ashes Maths 3:23
19 Miss My Friends 1:30
20 Starting at a Disadvantage 4:41
21 Life's Great 0:41
22 Headphone Space 4:47

What to play next

Listen next

Autumn, Again

2010

Go back to

Scribble Mural Comic Journal

2007

Full A Sunny Day in Glasgow discography Artists like A Sunny Day in Glasgow

shoegaze

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