Released 10 years ago
Painting of a Panic Attack
Frightened Rabbit · 2016
45 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and expansive melodies that captures the fragility of mental health struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Death Dream — Opening the album, this track sets a somber tone with its vivid imagery of existential dread, encapsulating the overarching themes of struggle and despair.
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I Wish I Was Sober — This song juxtaposes regret with a raw honesty about coping mechanisms, highlighting the emotional weight carried throughout the album.
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Still Want to Be Here — A powerful anthem of resilience, this track captures the tension between despair and a desire to persist, making it a standout moment in the narrative arc.
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Blood Under the Bridge — With its haunting refrain, this track delves into themes of loss and longing, serving as an emotional centerpiece reflecting on personal scars.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong melodies and emotional depth, though its cohesion dips slightly in pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks build intensity with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a stark contrast with a stripped-down arrangement.
- Several songs feature dynamic shifts, moving from quiet verses to expansive choruses that enhance emotional impact.
- The album closes with two tracks that gradually lower the tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere as it concludes.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective reflections on vulnerability
- haunting melodies for quiet moments
- emotional catharsis in each track
- short bursts of poignant storytelling
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat, energetic vibes
- prefer straightforward, catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2016, 'Painting of a Panic Attack' is Frightened Rabbit's fifth studio album, coming after their critically acclaimed 'Pedestrian Verse' in 2013. The band faced significant changes during this period, including the departure of guitarist and founding member Simon Liddell, which influenced their sound and songwriting approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Death Cab for Cutie· Band of Horses
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Death Dream 4:06
- 2 Get Out 3:18
- 3 I Wish I Was Sober 3:22
- 4 Woke Up Hurting 3:53
- 5 Little Drum 3:29
- 6 Still Want to Be Here 3:52
- 7 An Otherwise Disappointing Life 3:55
- 8 Break 2:59
- 9 Blood Under the Bridge 3:55
- 10 400 Bones 3:53
- 11 Lump Street 5:00
- 12 Die Like a Rich Boy 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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