Heartbeats and Brainwaves cover

Heartbeats and Brainwaves

Electric Six · 2011

52 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A playful mix of quirky lyrics and upbeat rhythms, blending alternative rock with a dash of absurdity and humor.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Food Dog — This track stands out as a quintessential Electric Six song, featuring infectious energy and humorous lyrics that encapsulate the band's playful spirit.
  • →
    Bleed for the Artist — With its satirical take on the struggles of creativity, this track showcases Electric Six's knack for combining sharp wit with compelling melodies.
  • →
    Hello! I See You! — This song captures a sense of connection and urgency, delivering an upbeat tempo that reflects both the humor and depth of the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with playful lyrics, though it may not deeply resonate over time.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Psychic Visions', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing more varied pacing in the latter tracks.
  • Several songs feature playful and absurd lyrics that often juxtapose serious themes with humor, such as in 'Food Dog' and 'Hello! I See You!'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • quirky and humorous vibes
  • catchy hooks for engagement
  • mid-tempo flow for focus

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, Heartbeats and Brainwaves marked Electric Six's sixth studio album, following their 2009 release, Zodiac. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shift in sound while maintaining their signature blend of satire and catchy hooks. The album reflects their continued evolution after years of experimentation and a loyal fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
The Darkness· Weezer· OK Go

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Bleed for the Artist

    The bridge shifts from self-deprecation to a triumphant proclamation about perseverance in art.

    This transition highlights the tension between vulnerability and confidence, showcasing how Electric Six deftly navigates serious themes with humor.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Psychic Visions 3:39
  • 2 French Bacon 3:38
  • 3 Gridlock! 3:14
  • 4 It Gets Hot 3:50
  • 5 The Intergalactic Version 3:10
  • 6 Interchangeable Knife 2:31
  • 7 Food Dog 3:58
  • 8 Hello! I See You! 3:56
  • 9 Bleed for the Artist 3:35
  • 10 We Use the Same Products 3:56
  • 11 Eye Contact 4:13
  • 12 Free Samples 4:19
  • 13 I Go Through Phases 3:43
  • 14 Heartbeats and Brainwaves 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata