Is Look Away + 4 a good place to start with The Apples in Stereo?

Yes, Look Away + 4 is recommended as a starting point for new The Apples in Stereo listeners. Bright melodies intertwine with whimsical arrangements, embodying a psychedelic pop sensibility that invites listeners to daydream. Released at the beginning of 2000, Look Away + 4 marked The Apples in Stereo's first significant release following their debut album, Fun Trick Noisemaker. At this point, they were establishing their identity within the burgeoning indie rock scene, drawing influence from 60s pop and the Elephant 6 Collective’s experimental ethos.

Who is Look Away + 4 for?

Look Away + 4 works well if you're into brief energetic bursts of joy, playful melodies for sunny days and for upbeat gatherings.

How many songs are on Look Away + 4?

Look Away + 4 has 5 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

Look Away + 4

The Apples in Stereo · 2000

12 min · 5 tracks · indie rock

Bright melodies intertwine with whimsical arrangements, embodying a psychedelic pop sensibility that invites listeners to daydream.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Look Away Start here — The title track opens the album with an infectious melody and upbeat tempo, setting the tone for the whimsical exploration found throughout. Its lyrics reflect a sense of yearning and introspection that resonates with the overall theme of the project.
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Behind the Waterfall — This track showcases intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the band's psychedelic influences while providing a moment of reflection amidst the cheerful soundscape. Its unique structure departs from conventional pop formats, highlighting their artistic ambitions.
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Everybody Let Up — With its driving rhythm and catchy refrain, this song exemplifies the band's knack for creating memorable hooks that stay with the listener. The energy and optimism in this track serve as a microcosm of the album's overall vibe.

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 EP showcases bright melodies and whimsical arrangements, establishing the band's indie identity.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a bright, jangly guitar riff that sets a playful tone for the EP.
Each song features layered vocal harmonies, often with overlapping melodies that create a dreamy effect.
The arrangement includes unconventional instruments like bells and synthesizers, adding to the whimsical feel of the music.
The final track ends abruptly after a brief instrumental section, leaving a sense of unresolved closure.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

brief energetic bursts of joy
playful melodies for sunny days
for upbeat gatherings
catchy tunes for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive experiences
seek deep lyrical introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified the band's place in the indie music landscape of the early 2000s.
Career context: Released at the beginning of 2000, Look Away + 4 marked The Apples in Stereo's first significant release following their debut album, Fun Trick Noisemaker. At this point, they were establishing their identity within the burgeoning indie rock scene, drawing influence from 60s pop and the Elephant 6 Collective’s experimental ethos.
Stylistic neighbors: The Olivia Tremor Control· Neutral Milk Hotel· of Montreal