Neck of the Woods
Silversun Pickups · 2012
59 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A moody blend of shimmering guitars and introspective lyrics that create a dreamlike yet urgent atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Skin Graph Start here — The opener establishes the album's atmospheric tone with its swirling melodies and poignant lyrics, setting the stage for the themes explored throughout.
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Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings) — This track features dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive choruses, showcasing the band's signature blend of intensity and vulnerability.
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Gun‐Shy Sunshine — With its infectious chorus and reflective verses, this song encapsulates the emotional core of the album while highlighting the band's growth in songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, culminating in the climactic 'Mean Spirits' before shifting to a more subdued tone.
- Several tracks employ layered guitar textures, creating a dense soundscape that contrasts with the sparse vocal delivery.
- The album closes with 'Out of Breath,' which gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- steady pacing with emotional depth
- introspective moments for reflection
- lush soundscapes for solitude
- melancholic melodies that linger
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents artistic progression and is noted for its critical acclaim.
- Career context
- By the time 'Neck of the Woods' was released in 2012, Silversun Pickups were riding the success of their previous album, 'Swoon,' which had solidified their presence in the alternative rock scene. This release marked their third studio album and showcased a more mature sound, building on the melodic hooks and layered instrumentation that defined their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Smashing Pumpkins· My Morning Jacket· Death Cab for Cutie
Tracklist
- 1 Skin Graph Start here 6:02
- 2 Make Believe 5:13
- 3 Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings) 5:10
- 4 Busy Bees 5:39
- 5 Here We Are (Chancer) 4:47
- 6 Mean Spirits 4:49
- 7 Simmer 6:50
- 8 The Pit 4:41
- 9 Dots and Dashes (Enough Already) 5:08
- 10 Gun‐Shy Sunshine 5:37
- 11 Out of Breath 5:02
What to play next
Better Nature
2015
Continues the atmospheric sound with a slightly more upbeat energy.
Swoon
2009
Sets the stage with similar moody themes and sonic textures.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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