Howl Howl Gaff Gaff cover

Howl Howl Gaff Gaff

Shout Out Louds · 2005

43 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

Bright melodies intertwine with wistful lyrics, creating a vibrant soundscape that captures both joy and melancholy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Comeback — Opening with an infectious energy, this track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation.
  • →
    Very Loud — This song showcases the band's ability to blend upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics, making it a standout on the album.
  • →
    Go Sadness — With its poignant themes and rich arrangements, this track exemplifies the emotional depth that runs throughout the album.
  • →
    Hurry Up Let’s Go — A short but impactful track, it captures a sense of urgency and excitement, reflecting the youthful spirit of the band.

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 strong melodies and harmonies but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and bright instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
  • Several songs employ layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The album closes with a gradual fade-out on 'Seagull', which contrasts with the more energetic opening tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • reflective yet vibrant moods
  • short, engaging listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Howl Howl Gaff Gaff is the debut album by Shout Out Louds, released in early 2005. At this point, the band was establishing its identity within the indie pop scene, following earlier formation in 2001. The album marked their entry into the music world, setting the stage for their subsequent releases and growing popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
The Radio Dept.· Tame Impala· Phoenix

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Comeback 2:48
  • 2 Very Loud 4:05
  • 3 Oh, Sweetheart 3:20
  • 4 A Track and a Train 4:45
  • 5 Go Sadness 4:04
  • 6 Please Please Please 3:30
  • 7 100° 3:48
  • 8 There’s Nothing 3:36
  • 9 Hurry Up Let’s Go 2:18
  • 10 Shut Your Eyes 3:11
  • 11 Seagull 8:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata