What makes Return to the Moon by EL VY notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim, charting at number 58 on the Billboard 200 and showcasing Berninger's distinctive lyrical style in a more lighthearted context compared to his work with The National. Its unique approach contributed to its recognition in indie circles and highlighted the versatility of both Berninger and Knopf as collaborators. Released in 2015, Return to the Moon marks EL VY's debut album, a collaboration between The National's Matt Berninger and Brent Knopf from Menomena. At this point, Berninger was well-established in the indie rock scene while Knopf was transitioning into a new phase in his career, leading to a fresh artistic direction for both artists.

How many songs are on Return to the Moon?

Return to the Moon has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 11 years ago this October

Return to the Moon

EL VY · 2015

41 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A playful blend of indie rock with witty lyrics and eclectic instrumentation that captures a whimsical yet introspective vibe.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Return to the Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy chorus and narrative-driven lyrics that blend humor with political undertones.
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Paul Is Alive — The song features an infectious melody and showcases Berninger's storytelling prowess, cleverly weaving themes of identity and existence into an upbeat sound.
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Silent Ivy Hotel — This track stands out with its atmospheric instrumentation and introspective lyrics that reflect on nostalgia and fleeting moments, encapsulating the album's emotional depth.

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 clever songwriting and varied arrangements but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

The first track features a gradual build-up with layered instrumentation, creating a sense of anticipation before the vocals enter.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in tempo and mood, such as 'It's a Game,' which contrasts playful verses with a more somber chorus.
The album frequently employs call-and-response vocal patterns between Berninger and Knopf, adding a conversational dynamic to the songs.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Need a Friend

The bridge shifts from a light-hearted tone to a more desperate plea for connection, contrasting earlier verses filled with playful banter.

This tonal shift highlights vulnerability amid humor, revealing deeper emotional layers within the seemingly lighthearted context of the song.

Tracklist

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

1 Return to the Moon (Political Song for Didi Bloome to Sing, with Crescendo) 4:13
2 I’m the Man to Be 4:33
3 Paul Is Alive 3:30
4 Need a Friend 3:20
5 Silent Ivy Hotel 4:11
6 No Time to Crank the Sun 5:12
7 It’s a Game 4:04
8 Sleepin’ Light 3:43
9 Sad Case 3:30
10 Happiness, Missouri 2:01
11 Careless 3:21

What to play next

Full EL VY discography Artists like EL VY

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata