Heartbeats and Triggers cover

Heartbeats and Triggers

Translator · 1982

36 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of jangly guitars and synth-driven melodies that encapsulate the new wave sound of the early '80s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everywhere That I'm Not — This opening track sets a dynamic tone with its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for blending melody with emotion.
  • →
    Necessary Spinning — With its driving rhythm and engaging chorus, this track exemplifies Translator's ability to combine energetic instrumentation with thought-provoking themes.
  • →
    Everything You See — This song highlights the band's lyrical depth, reflecting on perception and reality through a captivating melodic structure that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Nothing Is Saving Me — A standout for its emotional weight, this track features rich instrumentation and poignant lyrics that delve into themes of despair and longing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and arrangements typical of early '80s new wave but lacks standout tracks for lasting impact.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and prominent jangly guitars, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective feel.
  • Several songs incorporate layered synthesizers that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The album's final track ends with an extended instrumental section that fades out, contrasting with the more structured endings of earlier songs.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Everywhere That I'm Not 4:03
  • 2 Necessary Spinning 3:41
  • 3 Everything You See 3:35
  • 4 When I Am With You 3:06
  • 5 Nothing Is Saving Me 5:16
  • 6 Sleeping Snakes 3:37
  • 7 Favorite Drug 3:32
  • 8 Everywhere 3:19
  • 9 Dark Region 2:31
  • 10 My Heart, Your Heart 3:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata