Backslide
10 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics layered over eclectic beats and captivating melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Backslide — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of regression and self-awareness, combining infectious energy with poignant lyrics that reflect personal struggles.
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Next Semester — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo juxtaposed with reflective lyrics about growth and change, illustrating the tension between optimism and uncertainty.
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Overcompensate — With its dynamic shifts in sound and rhythm, this song effectively conveys the feeling of trying too hard to mask insecurities, serving as a relatable anthem for listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends introspective themes with varied musical dynamics, though its short length affects cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first track features a steady build-up with layered vocals and instrumentation that gradually intensifies, creating an engaging opening.
- The second track shifts to a more subdued tempo, incorporating minimalist beats and reflective lyrics that contrast with the opener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Released after Trench, it solidified their presence in alternative music.
- Themes
- college life transitions· self-reflection in nightlife· personal insecurities
- Career context
- Released as the band's fifth studio album, Backslide arrived during a period of increased visibility following their successful album Trench, which had solidified their presence in alternative music. The duo's experimentation with sound and lyrical content reflects their growth as artists since their early days, showcasing a more mature approach while still retaining their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Panic! at the Disco· Fall Out Boy· Imagine Dragons
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Backslide 3:00
- 2 Next Semester 3:54
- 3 Overcompensate 3:56
What to play next
Scaled and Icy
2021
Continues the vibrant sound with catchy hooks and introspective themes.
Blurryface
2015
Sets up the energetic and thematic elements present in Backslide.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
How I'm Feeling
Lauv
Explores similar themes of self-reflection and personal insecurities set against catchy pop melodies.
Supermodel
Foster the People
Features a mix of infectious hooks and introspective lyrics, capturing a youthful nightlife vibe.
Dopamine
Børns
Shares a genre-blurring sound with vibrant melodies and themes of personal exploration and emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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