What makes How I Learned to Write Backwards by The Aislers Set notable?

This album received significant praise from critics, particularly for its melodic hooks and lyrical depth, which helped solidify The Aislers Set's influence within the indie pop genre. It has been noted for its nostalgic themes and has garnered a cult following over the years, impacting subsequent artists in the lo-fi and indie scenes. How I Learned to Write Backwards is The Aislers Set's second album, released in 2003 following their debut, Terrible Things Happen. By this time, the band had established a strong presence in the indie pop scene, building on the acclaim received from their first release and refining their sound with more polished production techniques.

Who is How I Learned to Write Backwards for?

How I Learned to Write Backwards works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, immersive listening sessions and dreamy, introspective atmospheres.

How many songs are on How I Learned to Write Backwards?

How I Learned to Write Backwards has 11 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

How I Learned to Write Backwards

The Aislers Set · 2003

30 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

A shimmering blend of jangly guitars and introspective melodies that encapsulate the essence of early 2000s indie pop.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Catherine Says — The opening track introduces the album's signature sound with its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics, setting a tone that resonates throughout the record.
→
Emotional Levy — With its upbeat tempo and intricate instrumentation, this song captures the essence of youthful longing and emotional complexity that defines much of the album.
→
Mission Bells — This track showcases a more contemplative side of the band, featuring layered harmonies and a haunting melody that lingers long after it ends.
→
Unfinished Paintings — A highlight of the album, this song combines introspective lyrics with an evocative soundscape, illustrating the band's ability to balance melancholy with beauty.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
short, immersive listening sessions
dreamy, introspective atmospheres
melodic background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: How I Learned to Write Backwards is The Aislers Set's second album, released in 2003 following their debut, Terrible Things Happen. By this time, the band had established a strong presence in the indie pop scene, building on the acclaim received from their first release and refining their sound with more polished production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Sufjan Stevens· Clairo· Ellie Goulding

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sara's Song

The perspective shifts to address a personal memory directly evokes nostalgia while highlighting unresolved feelings.

This structural choice creates an intimate connection with the listener, emphasizing vulnerability in a way that contrasts with more abstract lyricism present in other tracks.

Tracklist

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

1 Catherine Says 2:28
2 Emotional Levy 3:04
3 Languor in the Balcony 1:57
4 Mission Bells 4:00
5 Sara's Song 2:50
6 Attraction Action Reaction 3:40
7 Through the Swells 2:09
8 The Train #1 1:33
9 The Train #2 1:04
10 Unfinished Paintings 4:00
11 Melody Not Malaise 3:25

What to play next

Go back to

The Last Match

2000

Full The Aislers Set discography Artists like The Aislers Set

indie pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata