Pythons cover

Pythons

Surfer Blood · 2013

34 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

Bright guitar riffs and introspective lyrics weave together a vibrant tapestry of indie rock soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Demon Dance — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and captivating hook, showcasing the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with darker themes.
  • →
    Gravity — A standout for its dynamic shifts and emotional weight, this song delves into themes of vulnerability and introspection wrapped in an upbeat arrangement.
  • →
    I Was Wrong — This track highlights a more reflective side of the band, featuring poignant lyrics that explore regret and growth while maintaining an engaging sonic landscape.
  • →
    Blair Witch — With its haunting atmosphere and narrative depth, this song exemplifies the band's ability to create tension and intrigue through both lyrics and instrumentation.

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 energetic openings but transitions into introspection, balancing its sound well.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature bright guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, creating an energetic opening.
  • Tracks five through seven introduce a more subdued tone with slower tempos and introspective lyrics.
  • The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, providing a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 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

  • steady mid-tempo sonic journey
  • sun-soaked introspective vibes
  • easy afternoon listening experience
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2013, Pythons is Surfer Blood's third studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Astro Coast. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a transition after gaining recognition for their earlier work while facing personal challenges within the lineup.
Stylistic neighbors
Real Estate· Beach Fossils· Pavement

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Was Wrong

    The singer confronts their past decisions directly in a candid admission that shifts the mood from regret to acceptance.

    This moment marks a pivotal turning point in the song, contrasting earlier lines that hint at denial and showcasing a newfound clarity.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Demon Dance 3:14
  • 2 Gravity 2:46
  • 3 Weird Shapes 3:29
  • 4 I Was Wrong 3:37
  • 5 Squeezing Blood 3:15
  • 6 Say Yes to Me 2:53
  • 7 Blair Witch 3:11
  • 8 Needles and Pins 3:40
  • 9 Slow Six 4:25
  • 10 Prom Song 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata