Dragonslayer
Sunset Rubdown · 2009
48 min · 8 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of indie rock, featuring intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics that weave through shifting moods and textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Idiot Heart — This track stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to balance cerebral themes with accessible hooks.
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Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh! — Here, the narrative unfolds with vivid storytelling, blending whimsical imagery and emotional depth that encapsulates the album's spirit.
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Black Swan — With its driving rhythm and layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's knack for creating dynamic soundscapes that reflect inner turmoil.
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Dragon's Lair — The closing track offers an expansive journey, both sonically and thematically, tying together the album’s motifs while pushing boundaries with its length and complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong songwriting, with a distinct sound that stands out in indie rock.
What we noticed
- The album features complex song structures, with many tracks incorporating abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation.
- The last two tracks slow down significantly, providing a contrasting resolution to the more frenetic energy of earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- kaleidoscopic arrangements that surprise
- patient explorations of shifting moods
- immersive narratives with poetic depth
- late-night introspection and reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, radio-friendly tracks
- seek immediate energetic gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Dragonslayer is Sunset Rubdown's third studio album, released in 2009 after the band's previous effort, Random Spirit Lover. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their distinctive sound, characterized by Spencer Krug's eclectic songwriting and ambitious instrumentation while exploring deeper emotional themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wolf Parade· Sufjan Stevens· Grizzly Bear
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Silver Moons 4:45
- 2 Idiot Heart 6:09
- 3 Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh! 5:23
- 4 Black Swan 6:53
- 5 Paper Lace 3:47
- 6 You Go on Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II) 5:42
- 7 Nightingale / December Song 5:34
- 8 Dragon's Lair 10:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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