Released 10 years ago
Distortland
The Dandy Warhols · 2016
34 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of hazy melodies and sharp wit, reflecting both nostalgia and contemporary disillusionment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Search Party — Opening the album, this track sets a tone of introspection and urgency, with catchy hooks that encapsulate the band's melodic sensibility.
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You Are Killing Me — This track features a compelling blend of dark humor and poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending lightness with heavier themes.
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All the Girls in London — With its infectious chorus and playful lyrics, this song captures the band's characteristic charm while addressing themes of desire and longing.
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Catcher in the Rye — A standout track that juxtaposes literary references with modern discontent, illustrating the band's clever lyricism and storytelling ability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends familiar elements with new textures but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more introspective tone with its slower pace.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'You Are Killing Me' and 'All the Girls in London'.
- The album closes with 'The Wizard Of Oslo', which shifts to a more experimental sound, contrasting sharply with the preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- introspective moments for reflection
- dreamy melodies for afternoon chill
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and a return to form after earlier experimentation.
- Career context
- Released in 2016, Distortland is The Dandy Warhols' ninth studio album, following the more experimental album, This Machine. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in sound while remaining rooted in their alternative rock identity, showcasing their ability to evolve while retaining their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre· Tame Impala· Spiritualized
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Search Party 3:42
- 2 Semper Fidelis 3:25
- 3 Pope Reverend Jim 3:46
- 4 Catcher in the Rye 3:02
- 5 STYGGO 4:18
- 6 Give 2:57
- 7 You Are Killing Me 3:41
- 8 All the Girls in London 2:45
- 9 Doves 4:14
- 10 The Grow Up Song 1:38
- 11 The Wizard Of Oslo 0:54
What to play next
Why You So Crazy
2019
Continues the blend of hazy melodies with fresh themes and energy.
This Machine
2012
Sets the stage with similar sonic exploration and lyrical depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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