Chainmail and Cello cover

Chainmail and Cello

The Doubleclicks · 2012

36 min · 15 tracks · nerd-folk

Quirky folk melodies intertwine with clever, nerdy lyrics, creating a whimsical exploration of fandom and relationships.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Oh, Mr. Darcy — This track cleverly captures the essence of unrequited love through a humorous lens, making it an immediate favorite among fans of literature and romance.
  • →
    The Nerdy Birthday Song — In just over a minute, this song humorously encapsulates what it means to celebrate one's interests, highlighting the joy of nerd culture in a light-hearted manner.
  • →
    Spock Impersonator — Here, the duo uses witty lyrics to explore identity through fandom, presenting a relatable narrative that resonates with those who feel out of place in mainstream culture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases quirky narratives and folk melodies, establishing a unique voice within the nerd-folk genre.

What we noticed

  • Each song typically employs a narrative structure, often telling stories related to fandom or personal experiences, which is reinforced by clever lyrical wordplay.
  • Instrumentation primarily includes cello and guitar, creating a distinctive sound that complements the whimsical nature of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

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

  • quirky sing-alongs with friends
  • light-hearted celebration of nerd culture
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • playful melodies for casual listening
  • heartfelt moments that spark joy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, introspective themes
  • seek long, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 30, 2012, Chainmail and Cello was The Doubleclicks' debut album, marking their entrance into the nerd-folk genre. At this point, the duo had already gained attention through live performances at conventions and online platforms, establishing a fanbase eager for their unique blend of humor and heartfelt songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
The Protomen· Jonathan Coulton· Paul and Storm

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Oh, Mr. Darcy 3:16
  • 2 Spock Impersonator 2:15
  • 3 The Nerdy Birthday Song 1:02
  • 4 Apostrophe 2:12
  • 5 No Easy Way 2:35
  • 6 Clever Girl 1:11
  • 7 The Way I Glow 2:47
  • 8 The Internet National Anthem 2:14
  • 9 Don't You Love Me? 3:12
  • 10 Will They or Won't They? 2:25
  • 11 Worst Superpower Ever 2:25
  • 12 A Lullaby for Mr. Bear (adult version) 2:10
  • 13 A Song About EVE Online 2:05
  • 14 Ironically 3:19
  • 15 This Fantasy World (explicit version) 2:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata