Lousy with Sylvianbriar
of Montreal · 2013
45 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A vivid tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics wrapped in surreal imagery and lo-fi production aesthetics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fugitive Air Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics, establishing the thematic exploration of escape and alienation.
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Belle Glade Missionaries — This track features a compelling narrative about personal loss and redemption, showcasing Barnes' ability to blend storytelling with whimsical musicality.
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Sirens of Your Toxic Spirit — With its infectious hooks and darkly humorous lyrics, this song exemplifies the album's contrast between upbeat melodies and somber themes.
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Hegira Émigré — The layering of instruments creates a lush soundscape that reflects the journey motif prevalent throughout the album, inviting listeners into Barnes' introspective world.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines jangly guitars with surreal lyrics, creating a distinct yet somewhat uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Colossus' transitioning from a slow build to a faster pace.
- The lyrics often employ surreal imagery, with lines that feel fragmented and abstract, enhancing the introspective nature of the music.
- 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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7/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- whimsical narratives to explore
- steady pacing for reflection
- consistent exploration of themes
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to enjoy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- favor standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores lo-fi aesthetics and surreal imagery, differing from previous polished works.
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2013, Lousy with Sylvianbriar is of Montreal's eleventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed Paralytic Stalks. At this point, frontman Kevin Barnes was exploring a more personal and stripped-down sound after the elaborate arrangements of previous projects, marking a shift toward a more confessional songwriting style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Apples in Stereo· Panda Bear· Tame Impala
Tracklist
- 1 Fugitive Air Start here 4:13
- 2 Obsidian Currents 3:54
- 3 Belle Glade Missionaries 5:55
- 4 Sirens of Your Toxic Spirit 4:06
- 5 Colossus 3:36
- 6 Triumph of Disintegration 4:12
- 7 Amphibian Days 5:04
- 8 She Ain't Speakin' Now 3:40
- 9 Hegira Émigré 4:02
- 10 Raindrop in My Skull 2:47
- 11 Imbecile Rages 4:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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