In the Pit of the Stomach
We Were Promised Jetpacks · 2011
61 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
An expansive blend of soaring melodies and introspective lyrics, underscored by a driving rhythm section that evokes a sense of urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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Medicine — This track captures the band's signature sound with its dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive choruses, embodying the emotional core of the album.
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Circles and Squares — The opening track sets a compelling tone for the album, featuring intricate guitar work intertwined with poignant lyrics reflecting on vulnerability and connection.
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Act on Impulse — With its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, this song exemplifies the band's ability to create a sense of urgency while exploring themes of hesitation and spontaneity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines solid songwriting with effective production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks utilize layered guitar textures that build to climactic moments, particularly in 'Medicine' and 'Building Buildings'.
- The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with a focus on personal struggles and relationships, which are delivered with a sense of urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- introspective lyrics for deep reflection
- melodic anthems for sing-alongs
- steady pacing for focused listening
- driving rhythms for energetic moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In the Pit of the Stomach is We Were Promised Jetpacks' second studio album, released following their debut, These Four Walls, which garnered critical acclaim. By 2011, the band was solidifying its presence in the indie rock scene, building on their previous success with more complex arrangements and deeper emotional exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frightened Rabbit· The Twilight Sad· Biffy Clyro
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hard to Remember
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrative voice juxtaposes fleeting memories with a longing for clarity, revealing deep inner conflict.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Circles and Squares 5:18
- 2 Medicine 3:46
- 3 Through the Dirt and the Gravel 4:06
- 4 Act on Impulse 5:31
- 5 Hard to Remember 4:35
- 6 Picture of Health 4:22
- 7 Sore Thumb 5:17
- 8 Boy in the Backseat 5:21
- 9 Human Error 3:02
- 10 Pear Tree 6:35
- 11 Building Buildings 4:53
- 12 Build Me a Bridge 4:47
- 13 Ink Slowly Dries 4:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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