Saints & Liars cover

Released 17 years ago this October

Saints & Liars

Noah Gundersen · 2009

25 min · 6 tracks · acoustic music

Haunting melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an atmospheric journey through themes of love and loss.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Oh Death — This track stands out for its powerful interpretation of mortality, showcasing Gundersen's ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes.
  • →
    Caroline — In 'Caroline', the delicate instrumentation complements poignant lyrics, making it a showcase of Gundersen's songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
  • →
    The Ocean — This song features sweeping melodic lines that evoke a sense of longing, illustrating Gundersen's skill in crafting evocative narratives within his music.

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 EP's haunting melodies and introspective lyrics create a cohesive and emotionally resonant experience.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a solo guitar that sets a somber tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
  • The arrangement often includes minimal instrumentation, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and create an intimate atmosphere.
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
8/10

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

  • haunting melodies for quiet moments
  • introspective reflections on love
  • short sessions of deep emotion
  • thoughtful listening during solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party vibes
  • prefer longer album experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Saints & Liars marked Noah Gundersen's debut album, introducing his blend of folk and acoustic music. At this point, Gundersen was establishing himself in the indie music scene, building a foundation for his future career.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Ben Howard· Iron & Wine

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Jesus, Jesus

    The moment shifts from questioning faith to a haunting acceptance of uncertainty amidst spiritual turmoil.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ring A Bell 5:17
  • 2 Caroline 3:37
  • 3 Oh Death 5:03
  • 4 The Ocean 4:09
  • 5 Jesus, Jesus 3:42
  • 6 Middle Of June 4:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata