Hurtling Through cover

Hurtling Through

Tiny Ruins · 2015

25 min · 7 tracks · indie folk

Delicate melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, enveloping listeners in a warm, folk-infused soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hurtling Through — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of movement and introspection, featuring haunting vocals layered over intricate guitar work that draws listeners into its reflective atmosphere.
  • →
    Little Did I Know — This track stands out with its evocative storytelling and rich instrumentation, revealing a personal narrative that resonates deeply through its poignant lyrics and melodic structure.
  • →
    Public Menace — At just over a minute long, this brief yet impactful track utilizes sharp imagery and biting lyrics to comment on societal issues, showcasing Tiny Ruins' ability to convey powerful messages concisely.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate arrangements and lyrical depth create a compelling indie folk experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that create a delicate, flowing texture throughout.
  • Vocals are layered with harmonies that often build gradually, adding emotional weight to the introspective lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate subtle shifts in dynamics, with quiet verses leading into more expansive choruses, enhancing the overall emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • delicate melodies for quiet moments
  • introspective reflections during solitude
  • short, intimate listening experiences
  • warm soundscapes for rainy days

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Hurtling Through' was released in January 2015, Tiny Ruins had already established themselves in New Zealand's indie folk scene with their debut album 'Some Were Meant for Sea' from 2014. This sophomore effort further solidified their presence, showcasing a refined sound that highlighted the evolution of vocalist Hollie Fullbrook's songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· Laura Marling

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Little Did I Know

    A shift occurs in the second verse where the perspective changes to reflect on past choices and their unforeseen consequences.

    This structural change emphasizes the personal growth throughout the song, contrasting earlier innocence with a newfound awareness.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tread Softly 3:51
  • 2 Hurtling Through 3:17
  • 3 Turn Around 3:00
  • 4 Little Did I Know 4:42
  • 5 Wandering Aengus 4:53
  • 6 Public Menace 1:43
  • 7 King's County 4:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata