What makes Holes in the Wall by The Electric Soft Parade notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics, marking a significant step in their career as it solidified their sound within the indie rock genre. It contributed to the resurgence of British indie music in the early 2000s and helped position them alongside contemporaries like The Coral and The Libertines. Released in January 2002, Holes in the Wall is The Electric Soft Parade's second album, following their debut, Holes in the Wall. At this point, the band was establishing their presence in the indie rock scene, building on the critical success of their first album and experimenting with more complex arrangements and themes.

How many songs are on Holes in the Wall?

Holes in the Wall has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Holes in the Wall

The Electric Soft Parade · 2002

55 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Melodic indie rock blends lush harmonies with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that captures the essence of early 2000s British music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Empty at the End — This track encapsulates the album's melancholic undertones through its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotion with musicality.
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Silent to the Dark — Clocking in at nine minutes, this epic track explores deeper sonic landscapes and lyrical complexity, reflecting a departure from traditional song structures.
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Holes in the Wall — The title track serves as a centerpiece for the album, merging lyrical vulnerability with intricate instrumentation, effectively summarizing the overarching themes of isolation and introspection.

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 solid songwriting and production but lacks standout tracks to elevate its overall impact.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich sound texture, particularly in 'There's a Silence' and 'Holes in the Wall'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Start Again 3:54
2 Empty at the End 3:01
3 There's a Silence 2:52
4 Something's Got to Give 3:49
5 It's Wasting Me Away 4:17
6 Silent to the Dark 9:00
7 Sleep Alone 4:09
8 This Given Line 4:12
9 Why Do You Try So Hard to Hate Me 4:38
10 Holes in the Wall 5:14
11 Biting the Soles of My Feet 6:25
12 Red Balloon for Me 4:12

What to play next

Listen next

The American Adventure

2003

Full The Electric Soft Parade discography Artists like The Electric Soft Parade

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata