Not for Want of Trying cover

Not for Want of Trying

Maybeshewill · 2008

51 min · 14 tracks · post-rock

Dynamic post-rock compositions blend atmospheric soundscapes with intricate melodies, creating an emotional journey through sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Paris Hilton Sex Tape — This track exemplifies the band's ability to juxtapose light-hearted themes with intricate musical arrangements, showcasing their clever compositional style.
  • →
    We Called for an Ambulance but a Fire Engine Came — Drawing on emotional crescendos and subtle dynamics, this track serves as a potent representation of the album's overarching narratives and sonic exploration.
  • →
    Not for Want of Trying — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its sweeping melodies and reflective tone, marking a pivotal moment in the listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong production, establishing Maybeshewill's presence in post-rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with strings and guitars intertwining to create rich soundscapes.
  • Tracks often build gradually, starting from quiet, atmospheric sections before reaching climactic peaks.
  • The last three tracks feature a notable drop in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long immersive listening sessions
  • reflective and contemplative moods
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2008, Not for Want of Trying marked Maybeshewill's debut album, establishing them as a key player in the UK post-rock scene. This release followed their formation in 2006 and set the stage for their unique blend of orchestral depth and electronic elements, propelling them into the indie music consciousness.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ixnay on the Autoplay 1:42
  • 2 Seraphim & Cherubim 3:16
  • 3 The Paris Hilton Sex Tape 3:34
  • 4 I’m in Awe, Amadeus! 3:39
  • 5 We Called for an Ambulance but a Fire Engine Came 3:23
  • 6 Heartflusters 3:48
  • 7 C.N.T.R.C.K.T. 2:26
  • 8 He Films the Clouds, Part 2 6:42
  • 9 Not for Want of Trying 5:33
  • 10 Takotsubo 1:57
  • 11 He Films the Clouds 2:12
  • 12 The Paris Hilton Sex Tape (Japanese Spy Transcript EP version) 3:32
  • 13 ... In Another Life, When We Are Both Cats 5:15
  • 14 Japanese Spy Transcript 3:58

What to play next

Sing the Word Hope in Four-Part Harmony
Listen next

Sing the Word Hope in Four-Part Harmony

2009
Japanese Spy Transcript
Go back to

Japanese Spy Transcript

2006
Full Maybeshewill discography Artists like Maybeshewill
post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata