Public Library cover

Released 10 years ago

Public Library

The Burning Hell · 2016

39 min · 8 tracks · indie rock

A blend of sardonic lyrics and eclectic instrumentation delivers a playful yet poignant exploration of modern life's absurdities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fuck The Government, I Love You — This track captures the album's rebellious spirit with sharp wit and an infectious energy that resonates with contemporary political sentiments.
  • →
    The Road — With its introspective lyrics and melodic structure, this song effectively balances personal reflection against the backdrop of broader societal issues.
  • →
    Two Kings — This track stands out for its narrative depth, weaving a story that critiques power dynamics while maintaining an engaging rhythm and melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong storytelling and varied instrumentation but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered instrumentation, gradually introducing more eclectic sounds in subsequent songs.
  • Each track employs a distinct narrative style, often shifting perspectives and employing conversational lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • playful spirit with sharp wit
  • thought-provoking lyrics for reflection
  • easygoing tracks for casual listening
  • engaging storytelling throughout album

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer instant gratification over depth

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Public Library' was released in 2016, The Burning Hell had already developed a distinctive sound with several albums under their belt, including 'People' in 2014. This album marked a continued evolution in their indie rock style, showcasing deeper lyrical themes while maintaining their quirky charm.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Stranger 5:56
  • 2 The Road 5:14
  • 3 Fuck The Government, I Love You 4:16
  • 4 Men Without Hats 3:47
  • 5 Good Times 4:26
  • 6 Give Up 5:06
  • 7 Two Kings 4:21
  • 8 Nonfiction 5:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata