What makes Hardly Electronic by The Essex Green notable?

Hardly Electronic received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its melodic craftsmanship and cohesion. The album's release was significant as it reestablished The Essex Green's presence in the indie music landscape, appealing to both old fans and new listeners alike. Released on June 29, 2018, Hardly Electronic marks The Essex Green's first album in over a decade, following their 2006 release, Cannibal Sea. After a long hiatus during which band members pursued other projects, this album signifies their return to the indie rock scene, showcasing an evolution in sound while maintaining their signature charm.

How many songs are on Hardly Electronic?

Hardly Electronic has 14 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Hardly Electronic

The Essex Green · 2018

54 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

A whimsical blend of jangly guitars and lush harmonies that evoke nostalgia while exploring contemporary themes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Sloane Ranger — The opening track sets the tone with its vibrant melodies and clever lyrics, encapsulating the album’s playful yet reflective spirit.
→
Modern Rain — This track combines catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for balancing upbeat instrumentation with deeper themes.
→
Don't Leave It in Our Hands — With its infectious chorus and engaging rhythm, this song stands out as a highlight that captures the album's essence of collaboration and community.
→
January Says — This track features poignant lyrics that delve into personal reflection, blending melancholy with an uplifting musical backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, maintaining a cohesive flow despite varied tempos.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with jangly guitars, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered harmonies that build throughout their duration, creating a rich texture.

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: 8/10

Influence 2/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Sloane Ranger 4:02
2 The 710 3:45
3 Don't Leave It in Our Hands 4:20
4 In the Key of Me 3:50
5 Modern Rain 4:11
6 Catatonic 3:37
7 Patsy Desmond 4:16
8 Bye Bye Crow 2:44
9 Waikiki 2:49
10 January Says 4:23
11 Slanted by Six 3:38
12 Smith & 9th 3:30
13 Another Story 4:12
14 Bristol Sky 4:40

What to play next

Go back to

Cannibal Sea

2006

Full The Essex Green discography Artists like The Essex Green

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata