At the Doorway Again cover

At the Doorway Again

Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions · 2000

15 min · 4 tracks · indie pop

Ethereal melodies weave through dreamy instrumentation, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that lingers long after the final note.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Around My Smile — This opening track encapsulates the album's dreamy vibe with its delicate instrumentation and haunting vocal delivery, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Charlotte — With its gentle rhythm and evocative lyrics, this song highlights Sandoval's ability to blend melancholy with beauty, illustrating her artistic depth.
  • →
    Down the Steps — The closing track features an understated yet compelling arrangement that allows Sandoval's voice to shine, leaving a lasting impression on 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 EP's lush sound and intimate songwriting create a haunting atmosphere that resonates well over multiple listens.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, reverb-laden guitar that sets a dreamy tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
  • Each song features layered vocals and instrumentation, creating a rich, atmospheric sound that feels cohesive.
  • The final track fades out gently, leaving an echoing silence that enhances the ethereal quality of the music.
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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Around My Smile 4:38
  • 2 Charlotte 4:32
  • 3 Sparkly 2:31
  • 4 Down the Steps 3:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata