Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True cover

Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True

Fair to Midland · 2007

49 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

A vibrant fusion of progressive metal and alternative rock, weaving intricate melodies with dynamic rhythms and evocative storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dance of the Manatee — This opening track sets an energetic tone with its catchy hooks and complex arrangements, showcasing the band's signature sound right from the start.
  • →
    Vice/Versa — With its intricate guitar work and shifting dynamics, this song embodies the band's ability to blend heavy riffs with melodic passages, exemplifying their artistic range.
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    The Wife, the Kids, and the White Picket Fence — This track delves into themes of suburban life and disillusionment with sharp lyricism, balancing introspective content with an infectious chorus that resonates deeply.
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    Say When — Closing the album on a poignant note, this lengthy track combines atmospheric elements with powerful vocal performances, encapsulating the emotional core of the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's ambitious composition and dynamic contrasts contribute to its solid standing in progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase intricate guitar work and layered arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dance of the Manatee 4:10
  • 2 Kyla Cries Cologne 3:35
  • 3 Vice/Versa 3:55
  • 4 The Wife, the Kids, and the White Picket Fence 3:29
  • 5 April Fools and Eggmen 3:15
  • 6 A Seafarer's Knot 4:11
  • 7 A Wolf Descends Upon the Spanish Sahara 4:13
  • 8 Walls of Jericho 3:46
  • 9 Tall Tales Taste Like Sour Grapes 4:02
  • 10 Upgrade^Brigade 3:54
  • 11 Say When 5:55
  • 12 Orphan Anthem '86 (original Demo) 5:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata