Middle Brother cover

Middle Brother

Middle Brother · 2011

48 min · 12 tracks · indie folk

A rich tapestry of harmonized vocals and acoustic instrumentation that blends introspective lyrics with an inviting folk sound.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Blue Eyes — This track features a captivating melody paired with heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of longing and vulnerability, showcasing the group's vocal harmonies beautifully.
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    Daydreaming — Opening the album, this song sets a reflective tone with its intricate acoustic arrangement, effectively introducing listeners to the band's introspective style.
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    Mom and Dad — The poignant narrative within this track about familial relationships captures both nostalgia and regret, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Middle Brother showcases strong songwriting and cohesive harmonies, fitting well within the indie folk genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of three-part harmonies across multiple tracks, creating a rich vocal texture.
  • Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, with verses that build gradually into more intense choruses.
  • The instrumentation primarily consists of acoustic guitars, piano, and subtle percussion, maintaining a warm and organic sound throughout.
  • The lyrical themes often reflect introspection and personal storytelling, with a focus on relatable experiences.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Daydreaming 4:50
  • 2 Blue Eyes 4:05
  • 3 Thanks for Nothing 3:44
  • 4 Middle Brother 3:12
  • 5 Theater 4:40
  • 6 Portland 5:05
  • 7 Wilderness 2:43
  • 8 Me, Me, Me 2:57
  • 9 Someday 3:40
  • 10 Blood and Guts 5:59
  • 11 Mom and Dad 4:01
  • 12 Million Dollar Bill 4:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata