Finch
Murder by Death · 2009
22 min · 7 tracks · indie rock
A cinematic blend of indie rock and narrative storytelling unfolds through haunting melodies and atmospheric instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Graycap Memory Bulb (A Parade. Blood! Falling. Swaying Trees) — This track serves as a centerpiece for the album, weaving together vivid imagery and an evolving soundscape that reflects the overarching themes of memory and loss.
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Human Memory Bulb (The Desert Fortress. A Father's Death. Mushrooms Breathing. Pursued by the Graycap) — With its expansive narrative and dynamic shifts, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of human experiences intertwined with fantastical elements, making it pivotal in understanding the overall concept.
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Shootout (Partials Approach. Whyte's Transformation. Finch's Account. Battle Charge) — The intense orchestration and urgent pacing of this track highlight the tension within the story, representing a climactic moment that contrasts sharply with the album's more introspective pieces.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's narrative-driven structure and atmospheric sound create a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a thematic piece that sets a cinematic tone, followed by tracks that blend narrative storytelling with atmospheric instrumentation.
- Several tracks feature shifts in dynamics and tempo, such as the transition from the introspective 'Human Memory Bulb' to the more energetic 'Party!'.
- The use of reprises, like 'Finch's Theme (reprise)', creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the album's narrative structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- cinematic narrative journey
- short bursts of intensity
- haunting orchestral moments
- reflective afternoon listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long album experiences
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Murder by Death released Finch in 2009, they were transitioning from their earlier albums into a more conceptual approach. This album followed the critically acclaimed In Bocca Al Lupo and marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a deeper commitment to storytelling through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Decemberists· Neutral Milk Hotel· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Human Memory Bulb (The Desert Fortress. A Father's Death. Mushrooms Breathing. Pursued by the Graycap)
Shifts from personal reflection to broader existential themes as it recounts a father’s death while intertwining surreal imagery.
The juxtaposition of personal grief against fantastical landscapes creates a profound depth, emphasizing how memories can both haunt and inspire.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Finch's Theme 1:09
- 2 Graycap Memory Bulb (A Parade. Blood! Falling. Swaying Trees) 5:45
- 3 Human Memory Bulb (The Desert Fortress. A Father's Death. Mushrooms Breathing. Pursued by the Graycap) 6:40
- 4 Finch's Theme (reprise) 1:10
- 5 Party! 1:27
- 6 Shootout (Partials Approach. Whyte's Transformation. Finch's Account. Battle Charge) 4:41
- 7 Red Dawn 1:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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