David Thomas Broughton vs. 7 Hertz cover

David Thomas Broughton vs. 7 Hertz

David Thomas Broughton · 2007

61 min · 5 tracks · traditional folk music

Experimental folk intertwines with electronic elements, creating a haunting soundscape that oscillates between sincerity and abstraction.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Weight of My Love — Opening with minimalist instrumentation, this track builds emotional intensity through layered vocals and complex lyrical themes about love and longing.
  • →
    No Great Shakes — This lengthy track showcases Broughton's ability to create tension through repetition and subtle shifts in dynamics, emphasizing the emotional weight of his storytelling.
  • →
    Fisted Hand — With a darker tone, this piece explores themes of struggle and resilience, highlighted by its intricate arrangement that draws listeners into its narrative depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of folk and electronic elements creates a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are layered with effects, creating an ethereal quality that complements the experimental nature of the music.
  • The interlude track 'Jolly' serves as a bridge, introducing a more playful tone before returning to the heavier themes in subsequent tracks.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long-form explorations of sound
  • haunting melodies for introspection
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • thought-provoking late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, catchy songs
  • seek consistent upbeat energy

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in 2007, David Thomas Broughton had already established himself within the UK folk scene with his previous album, 'The Complete Guide to Insufficiency.' This album marked a significant exploration into experimental territory, showcasing his willingness to blend traditional folk with avant-garde influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake· Iron & Wine

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Weight of My Love

    The protagonist confronts their vulnerabilities directly through poignant imagery reflecting on the burdens of affection.

    The shift from abstract feelings to specific, vivid imagery creates a striking contrast that deepens the listener's connection to the lyrics.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Weight of My Love 9:54
  • 2 No Great Shakes 15:01
  • 3 Jolly (interlude) 1:12
  • 4 Fisted Hand 13:11
  • 5 River Outlet 22:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata