Ex-Maniac
Babybird · 2010
43 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A haunting blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that explore themes of disillusionment and longing.
Top tracks — play these first
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Like Them — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation, capturing the essence of disillusionment that permeates the record.
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Failed Suicide Club — With its raw emotional weight, this track tackles heavy themes of despair and societal rejection, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
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Send Me Back My Dreams — This song encapsulates a sense of yearning and regret, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with anyone grappling with lost aspirations.
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Bastard — Offering a more aggressive tone, this track contrasts with the overall melancholy, showcasing Babybird's versatility and willingness to confront darker emotions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases mature songwriting with strong lyrical themes but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and instrumentation.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere, particularly in the choruses.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and metaphor, with recurring themes of longing and disillusionment evident in multiple 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
- melancholic reflections on lost dreams
- introspective listening for quiet moments
- cathartic release through haunting melodies
- thoughtful exploration of personal struggle
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, party vibes
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Ex-Maniac is Babybird’s sixth studio album, released a decade after their breakthrough hit 'You're Gorgeous'. At this point in their career, the band was working to redefine their sound and re-establish themselves in the indie rock scene, following a period of relative obscurity and lineup changes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Auteurs· Pulp· The Beta Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Like Them 4:09
- 2 Drug Time 3:54
- 3 Failed Suicide Club 3:42
- 4 Unloveable 4:19
- 5 Send Me Back My Dreams 2:34
- 6 For the Rest of Our Lives 3:40
- 7 Bastard 3:30
- 8 Roadside Girl 4:21
- 9 Black Flowers 3:37
- 10 Not Good Enough 4:10
- 11 On the Backseat of Your Car 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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