Kiss the Crystal Flake
The Mother Hips · 2007
47 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A blend of laid-back melodies and introspective lyrics that capture the essence of Californian indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wicked Tree — This track showcases the band's signature blend of jangly guitars and thoughtful lyrics, embodying the album's exploration of nature and introspection.
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Time We Had — With its catchy hooks and nostalgic themes, this song captures the essence of fleeting moments, making it a standout on the record.
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Confirmation of Love — This track features harmonies that elevate its emotional resonance, highlighting the band's ability to weave personal narratives into their music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks a cohesive flow across its entirety.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build in intensity, particularly in the choruses, enhancing emotional impact.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- nostalgic reflections on past moments
- easygoing melodies for road trips
- harmonious layers inviting sing-alongs
- gentle pacing for relaxed evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification over depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Kiss the Crystal Flake is The Mother Hips' sixth studio album, emerging after a brief hiatus. This period saw the band regrouping and refining their sound, marking a return to their roots in California rock after exploring more experimental avenues in previous releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Band· Wilco· My Morning Jacket
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Time We Had
The transition from reflective verses to an uplifting chorus signifies a shift from memory to appreciation.
This structural choice emphasizes a sense of gratitude for past experiences while acknowledging their impermanence.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mission in Vain 5:58
- 2 Wicked Tree 5:19
- 3 Time We Had 3:06
- 4 No-Name Darrell 4:00
- 5 Let Somebody 4:45
- 6 Confirmation of Love 3:00
- 7 TGIM 3:35
- 8 White Hills 2:30
- 9 No So Independent 4:38
- 10 White Headphones 3:52
- 11 Time Sick Son of a Grizzly Bear 3:01
- 12 In This Bliss 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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