Life Like
Joan of Arc · 2011
40 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
A fragmented exploration of indie rock intertwining complex rhythms with existential themes and unconventional song structures.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Saw the Messed Binds of My Generation — This lengthy opener sets the tone for the album's introspective and chaotic themes, blending intricate instrumentation with a stream-of-consciousness lyrical style that challenges listeners.
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Love Life — With its concise structure and catchy hooks, this track encapsulates the band's ability to fuse accessible melodies with deeper philosophical inquiries about relationships and existence.
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Deep State — This song stands out for its politically charged lyrics and driving rhythm, reflecting contemporary societal concerns while showcasing the band's knack for blending urgency with artful composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and complex structures make it a notable entry in indie rock, though its cohesion suffers slightly.
What we noticed
- Vocals are often layered with spoken word elements, creating a fragmented narrative that complements the complex instrumentation.
- Tracks like 'I Saw the Messed Binds of My Generation' and 'Deep State' utilize dissonant harmonies and experimental arrangements, challenging traditional indie rock forms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- fragmented narratives that invite reflection
- thought-provoking themes for deep contemplation
- sudden shifts in pacing and
- short tracks for varied engagement
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, catchy melodies
- prefer consistent rhythmic structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Life Like' was released in 2011, Joan of Arc was already an established name in the indie rock scene, following their previous album 'Flowers' from 2009. The band continued to evolve their sound, experimenting with more abstract arrangements and lyrical content, marking a period of artistic maturation within their discography.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Sea and Cake· Tortoise· Battles
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Saw the Messed Binds of My Generation 10:43
- 2 Love Life 3:02
- 3 Like Minded 5:07
- 4 Life Force 1:13
- 5 Night Life Style 3:55
- 6 Howdy Pardoner 4:10
- 7 Still Life 4:36
- 8 Deep State 5:18
- 9 After Life 2:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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