Life is Elsewhere cover

Released 14 years ago this October

Life is Elsewhere

Little Comets · 2012

43 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of indie rock's melodic charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jennifer — This track stands out for its infectious melody and poignant lyrics that explore themes of love and longing, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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    Waiting in the Shadows in the Dead of Night — With its haunting arrangement and reflective lyricism, this song effectively conveys a sense of vulnerability that resonates throughout the album.
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    Worry — The driving rhythm and candid exploration of anxiety make this track a memorable highlight, showcasing the band's ability to blend upbeat sounds with serious themes.

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 features engaging melodies and thoughtful lyrics but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'A Little Opus' and maintains a lively pace through the first half, before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Waiting in the Shadows in the Dead of Night'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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 3/10

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 mid-tempo engagement
  • intricate melodies for detail lovers
  • sharp lyrical observations throughout
  • infectious rhythms for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • fast-paced instant gratification seekers
  • listeners preferring standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Life is Elsewhere is Little Comets' second studio album, following their debut In Search of Elusive Little Comets. By this point, they had solidified their signature sound, characterized by catchy hooks and social commentary.
Stylistic neighbors
Vampire Weekend· Foals· Two Door Cinema Club

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Little Opus 3:48
  • 2 Tense / Empty 3:40
  • 3 Jennifer 2:42
  • 4 Bayonne 3:18
  • 5 Waiting in the Shadows in the Dead of Night 3:20
  • 6 Violence Out Tonight 4:47
  • 7 The Western Boy 3:42
  • 8 Worry 3:03
  • 9 Semaphores on the Lawn 3:12
  • 10 W - O - E 3:06
  • 11 Woman Woman 4:02
  • 12 In Blue Music We Trust 4:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata