Coyote cover

Coyote

Matt Mays · 2012

49 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

An introspective blend of indie rock and folk-infused melodies shaped by vivid storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take It on Faith — This track encapsulates the album's thematic core of trust and vulnerability, blending heartfelt lyrics with an infectious melody that lingers long after listening.
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    Loveless — Loveless stands out for its haunting instrumentation paired with evocative lyrics, capturing the essence of longing and heartbreak that permeates the album.
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    Queen of Portland Street — With its catchy hooks and vivid imagery, this track showcases Mays' knack for storytelling, painting a picture of urban life through relatable experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Coyote blends indie rock and folk with strong storytelling, though its pacing and cohesion vary across tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich atmospheric sound that complements the storytelling.
  • Lyrically, the album employs vivid imagery and personal narratives, with many songs featuring repeated refrains that enhance their emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • vivid storytelling in each track
  • introspective journeys through lyrics
  • atmospheric soundscapes for solitude
  • for evening unwind

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 4, 2012, Coyote is Matt Mays' fourth studio album, following his self-titled album in 2008. At this point in his career, Mays was transitioning from mainstream recognition to a more independent approach, focusing on personal narratives and regional influences in his songwriting.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Indio 4:17
  • 2 Airstrike 1:06
  • 3 Ain’t That the Truth 3:55
  • 4 Take It on Faith 4:26
  • 5 Loveless 5:02
  • 6 Dull Knife 5:33
  • 7 Drop the Bombs 3:01
  • 8 Rochambo 1:45
  • 9 Slow Burning Luck 4:04
  • 10 Madre Padre 1:53
  • 11 Zita 3:47
  • 12 Stoned 3:28
  • 13 Queen of Portland Street 3:05
  • 14 Chase the Light 4:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata