What makes Handsome by Tar notable?

Handsome received positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its melodic yet aggressive approach to punk. The album helped further define Tar's sound and influence within the indie rock landscape of the late 90s, contributing to the era's evolving musical dialogue. Released in 1997, Handsome is Tar's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, 'The New Tradition.' At this point, Tar was solidifying its presence in the underground punk scene, navigating changes in lineup while maintaining their distinct sound.

How many songs are on Handsome?

Handsome has 7 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Handsome

Tar

24 min · 7 tracks · punk rock

A raw and powerful blend of punk energy and melodic introspection that captures the angst of the era.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Static — Opening with a punchy riff, Static sets the tone for the album with its driving energy and introspective lyrics that explore feelings of disconnection.
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Downtime — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between aggressive verses and a contemplative chorus, showcasing Tar's ability to balance intensity with melody.
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Mel's — With its longer runtime, Mel's allows for an expansive exploration of themes like longing and restlessness, making it a highlight of emotional depth on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Treeline

Higher than 59% of albums we've rated

The EP features strong melodic contrasts and shifts in energy, making it engaging while still rooted in punk aesthetics.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, while the fourth track shifts to a more subdued, introspective tone.
Melodic hooks are interspersed throughout the songs, often contrasting with the raw vocal delivery.
The final two tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that closes the EP on a contemplative note.

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

Influence 3/10

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 Static 3:44
2 Mumper 3:16
3 Same 3:19
4 [Untitled] 0:31
5 Downtime 4:06
6 Seam 3:31
7 Mel's 5:48

What to play next

Listen next

Roundhouse

1990

Full Tar discography Artists like Tar

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata