Havens Dumb cover

Havens Dumb

Augie March · 2014

63 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

A tapestry of introspective lyrics and melodic instrumentation, blending indie rock with a distinctly Australian flavor.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    AWOL — The opening track sets the tone with its expansive melodies and reflective lyrics, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of absence and longing.
  • →
    Father Jack and Mr. T — This track blends storytelling with vivid imagery, showcasing the band's knack for weaving personal narrative into broader social commentary.
  • →
    Never Been Sad — The closing track stands out for its emotional weight and contemplative lyrics, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of introspection that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with unique arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and abrupt tempo changes.
  • The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal narratives, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the themes presented.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • engaging narratives in every track
  • melodic arrangements for quiet evenings
  • wave-like pacing encourages deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Havens Dumb' was released in 2014, Augie March had established themselves as a staple of the Australian indie scene, following their critically acclaimed album 'Watch Me Disappear' in 2008. This album marked a significant return after a six-year hiatus, showcasing an evolution in their sound while retaining their lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
The Triffids· Crowded House· The Go-Betweens

Tracklist

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

  • 1 AWOL 3:58
  • 2 After the Crack Up 4:16
  • 3 Bastard Time 3:55
  • 4 A Dog Starved 3:49
  • 5 Hobart Obit 4:55
  • 6 Father Jack and Mr. T 4:23
  • 7 St. Helena 5:00
  • 8 The Faking Boy 1:48
  • 9 Definitive History 6:00
  • 10 Villa Adriana 5:36
  • 11 Millenarians' Mirror 3:49
  • 12 Sailing to the Moon 2:55
  • 13 Never Been Sad 7:20
  • 14 The Crime 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata