What makes Hollow Ground by Cut Worms notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release, with praise from notable publications such as Pitchfork and NPR, which highlighted its charming lo-fi aesthetic. It helped solidify Cut Worms' place in contemporary folk and indie circles, contributing to a resurgence of interest in traditional songwriting methods. Hollow Ground is Cut Worms' debut album, released in 2018 after a series of well-received EPs. The album marks a significant step in the artist's career, showcasing a refined sound and lyrical depth that captured attention within the indie music scene.

How many songs are on Hollow Ground?

Hollow Ground has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Hollow Ground

Cut Worms · 2018

38 min · 10 tracks

A nostalgic blend of jangly guitar melodies and heartfelt lyrics that evoke the warmth of classic Americana.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How It Can Be — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect on life's complexities with a sense of yearning.
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Cash for Gold — The song stands out for its vivid storytelling and rich imagery, capturing the struggles of seeking value amidst uncertainty.
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Think I Might Be in Love — This track balances playful lyrics with an infectious melody, embodying the album's exploration of love and vulnerability.
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Mad About You — With its melancholic undertones and relatable themes, this song exemplifies the emotional depth present throughout Hollow Ground.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album blends nostalgic melodies with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting within a cohesive structure.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitars, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album's production maintains a lo-fi aesthetic, with a warm, vintage sound that complements its Americana influences.

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: 7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Don't Want to Say Good-Bye

The moment builds tension through a repetition of unresolved feelings as it navigates the painful act of parting ways.

The escalating intensity mirrors the emotional turmoil experienced during farewells, enhancing the song's impact by making listeners feel that struggle.

Tracklist

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

1 How It Can Be 3:37
2 Coward's Confidence 3:37
3 Don't Want to Say Good-Bye 2:51
4 It Won't Be Too Long 3:18
5 Till Tomorrow Goes Away 4:22
6 Like Going Down Sideways 5:24
7 Think I Might Be in Love 4:22
8 Cash for Gold 3:36
9 Hanging Your Picture Up to Dry 3:05
10 Mad About You 4:02

What to play next

Listen next

Nobody Lives Here Anymore

2020

Go back to

At Home

2016

Full Cut Worms discography Artists like Cut Worms

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata