What makes Foil Deer by Speedy Ortiz notable?

Foil Deer received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, earning a spot on numerous year-end lists. The album showcased the band's evolution and helped solidify their influence within the indie rock genre during the mid-2010s. Released in 2015, Foil Deer is Speedy Ortiz's second album, following their critically acclaimed debut, Major Arcana. The band was solidifying their presence in the indie rock scene, building on the momentum from their earlier work while experimenting with more complex themes and sounds.

How many songs are on Foil Deer?

Foil Deer has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Foil Deer

Speedy Ortiz · 2015

41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A jagged blend of noise pop and grunge, layered with introspective lyrics and a playful yet melancholic energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Raising the Skate — This track features intricate guitar work paired with sharp, witty lyrics that critique contemporary social issues, encapsulating the album's essence.
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My Dead Girl — With its haunting melody and poignant exploration of grief, this track stands out as a deeply emotional centerpiece of the album.
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Dot X — The song combines catchy hooks with an undercurrent of tension, showcasing the band's ability to balance accessibility with complex themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Foil Deer showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing energetic and introspective elements effectively.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level, while the second half introduces more subdued and introspective moments.
Several songs employ unconventional song structures, often shifting dynamics abruptly between verses and choruses.
The lyrics frequently blend personal reflection with abstract imagery, creating a layered narrative that invites deeper analysis.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 Good Neck 1:36
2 Raising the Skate 4:13
3 The Graduates 3:56
4 Dot X 3:38
5 Homonovus 3:17
6 Puffer 2:45
7 Swell Content 1:47
8 Zig 4:32
9 My Dead Girl 4:22
10 Ginger 2:38
11 Mister Difficult 3:35
12 Dvrk Wvrld 4:39

What to play next

Listen next

Twerp Verse

2018

Go back to

Major Arcana

2013

Full Speedy Ortiz discography Artists like Speedy Ortiz

alternative rock grunge indie rock

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