What makes Pale Horses by MewithoutYou notable?

'Pale Horses' received critical acclaim, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidifying MewithoutYou's influence on the post-hardcore genre. The album's exploration of existential themes resonated with fans and critics alike, further pushing the boundaries of punk rock music. By the time 'Pale Horses' was released in June 2015, MewithoutYou had established themselves as a significant force in the post-hardcore scene with five prior albums. This record marked their first release on a new label, and showcased an evolution in their sound, employing more diverse instrumentation and introspective lyrics following their previous album 'Ten Stories'.

Who is Pale Horses for?

Pale Horses works well if you're into wave-like pacing with emotional peaks, narrative-driven tracks with depth and haunting soundscapes for reflection.

How many songs are on Pale Horses?

Pale Horses has 20 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Pale Horses

MewithoutYou · 2015

73 min · 20 tracks · punk rock

A haunting blend of post-hardcore and folk influences, weaving intricate narratives over textured soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Pale Horse — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal atmosphere and poignant lyrics, encapsulating the thematic essence of life's transience.
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Watermelon Ascot — This track showcases a playful yet contemplative side of the band, combining whimsical lyrics with engaging melodies that highlight their unique style.
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D Minor — A standout for its emotional depth, this song features complex arrangements that mirror the lyrical exploration of sorrow and hope.
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Mexican War Streets — With vivid storytelling and rich imagery, this track exemplifies MewithoutYou's ability to fuse personal narrative with broader historical themes.
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Rainbow Signs — Closing out the album, this expansive track offers a reflective journey, tying together the thematic threads explored throughout 'Pale Horses'.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate narratives with dynamic shifts, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a spoken word section that sets a contemplative tone, leading into layered instrumentation that builds gradually.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, moving from quiet, introspective moments to intense, chaotic bursts of sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
narrative-driven tracks with depth
haunting soundscapes for reflection
dynamic flow with varied tempos
extended conclusion invites contemplation

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek straightforward, upbeat listening

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Pale Horses' was released in June 2015, MewithoutYou had established themselves as a significant force in the post-hardcore scene with five prior albums. This record marked their first release on a new label, and showcased an evolution in their sound, employing more diverse instrumentation and introspective lyrics following their previous album 'Ten Stories'.
Stylistic neighbors: Brand New· The Dear Hunter· Circa Survive