Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia
Said the Whale · 2008
43 min · 15 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant tapestry of indie rock infused with playful melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect a youthful spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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This City's a Mess — Opening with an infectious energy, this track captures the chaotic essence of urban life while showcasing the band's knack for relatable storytelling.
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Curse of the Currents — This song stands out with its rich instrumentation and reflective lyrics, exploring themes of change and resilience against life's challenges.
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Taking Abalonia — The titular track encapsulates the album's overall theme of exploration and self-discovery, blending upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and varied instrumentation but lacks the depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, followed by a gradual shift to more introspective themes in the latter half.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- earnest storytelling through melodies
- short tracks for quick reflections
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- dynamic mix of tempos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon releasing Howe Sounds/Taking Abalonia in 2008, Said the Whale was still establishing their presence in the Canadian indie rock scene. This album came shortly after their formation in 2007, marking their debut effort and setting the stage for future success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hey Rosetta!· The Rural Alberta Advantage· Stars
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This City's a Mess 2:59
- 2 Howe Sounds 3:05
- 3 Curse of the Currents 5:11
- 4 The Light Is You 1:38
- 5 My Government Heart 3:58
- 6 Last Tree Standing 3:04
- 7 The Real of It 1:39
- 8 This Winter I Retire 3:57
- 9 Live Off Lamb 2:19
- 10 The Banks of the English Bay 1:59
- 11 Better for You 1:55
- 12 Lady Hourglass, Your Head's on Fire! 2:26
- 13 Fish and Stars II 1:00
- 14 Plans for the Future 3:52
- 15 Taking Abalonia 3:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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