Making a Door Less Open
Car Seat Headrest · 2020
48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A daring blend of lo-fi rock and experimental textures that push the boundaries of Car Seat Headrest's signature sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Weightlifters Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Can’t Cool Me Down — This track juxtaposes infectious melodies with lyrics that explore anxiety and self-reflection, embodying the album's thematic complexity.
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There Must Be More Than Blood — With its sprawling length and introspective lyrics, this song serves as a centerpiece, encapsulating the tension between personal struggle and broader existential questions.
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Hollywood — This track critiques the superficiality of fame while blending catchy hooks with poignant observations, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends lo-fi rock with experimental elements, showcasing strong craft but uneven cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective tone.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and experimental soundscapes, particularly in 'Hymn (remix)' and 'There Must Be More Than Blood'.
- The album closes with two acoustic versions of earlier tracks, which shift the mood significantly compared to their original arrangements.
- 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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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
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective moments for reflection
- vibrant energy for late nights
- dynamic flow through listening
- short tracks for quick bursts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification
- seek consistent tempo throughout
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — This album pushes boundaries and explores new textures in the artist's sound.
- Career context
- Released on May 1, 2020, this album marked Car Seat Headrest's first project under Matador Records after the band's transition from Bandcamp releases. It was a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 'Teens of Denial' (2016), showcasing a more experimental approach with electronic elements alongside their established indie rock foundations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pavement· Built to Spill· The War on Drugs
Tracklist
- 1 Weightlifters Start here 5:41
- 2 Can’t Cool Me Down 5:09
- 3 Hollywood 3:21
- 4 Martin 3:32
- 5 Hymn (remix) 2:48
- 6 There Must Be More Than Blood 7:21
- 7 Deadlines 5:04
- 8 What’s With You Lately 1:36
- 9 Life Worth Missing 4:52
- 10 Famous 2:52
- 11 Deadlines (alternate acoustic) 3:06
- 12 Hollywood (acoustic) 3:10
What to play next
Death Metal
2020
Continues the experimental vibe with a fresh take on sound and themes.
Teens of Denial
2016
Sets the stage with similar energy and lyrical depth, enhancing the transition.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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