What makes How We Are by Bombay Bicycle Club notable?

How We Are received critical acclaim upon release, often noted for its fresh take on the indie rock genre at the time. The album helped the band establish a dedicated following in the UK and beyond, contributing to their subsequent success in later years. Released as Bombay Bicycle Club's debut album in January 2007, How We Are introduced the band’s blend of indie rock and folk influences. At this time, they were emerging from the UK music scene, gaining traction through early live performances and demos that hinted at their melodic potential.

How many songs are on How We Are?

How We Are has 4 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

How We Are

Bombay Bicycle Club · 2007

15 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

Dreamy melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a lush soundscape that captures the essence of youthful uncertainty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ghost — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse soft guitar lines with haunting vocals, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.
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Maybe More — With its layered instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this song captures the uncertainty of young love, making it relatable to many listeners.
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Pedestal — The energetic rhythm and catchy chorus highlight the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks while exploring themes of admiration and expectation.

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 EP showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the depth for extensive replay value.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a soft guitar melody that gradually builds layers of instrumentation, creating a lush soundscape.
Each song features introspective lyrics that are delivered in a conversational tone, enhancing the personal feel of the EP.

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

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut EP that helped establish the band's reputation and gain a following.
Themes: nostalgic longing· first love confusion
Career context: Released as Bombay Bicycle Club's debut album in January 2007, How We Are introduced the band’s blend of indie rock and folk influences. At this time, they were emerging from the UK music scene, gaining traction through early live performances and demos that hinted at their melodic potential.
Stylistic neighbors: alt-J· Foals· Vampire Weekend