Released 30 years ago
Science Faire
The Apples in Stereo · 1996
38 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
Bright melodies intertwine with jangly guitars, creating an effervescent sound that embodies the spirit of 90s indie pop.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Not the Same — This track stands out due to its infectious chorus and playful instrumentation, encapsulating the band's signature style while resonating with themes of individuality.
-
→
Tidal Wave Start here — Opening the album, this song combines upbeat rhythms with lush harmonies, setting an inviting tone that captures the essence of their sound.
-
→
Motorcar — With its catchy melody and whimsical lyrics about travel and adventure, this track exemplifies the carefree spirit that permeates much of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features catchy melodies and jangly guitars typical of its era, establishing a solid indie pop sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and arrangements.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Not the Same' and 'Motorcar'.
- The instrumentation prominently includes jangly guitars and bright keyboard melodies, which are present in nearly every track.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo groove
- youthful exuberance and playfulness
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- for casual hangouts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
- seek intense emotional depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established the band's presence in the 90s indie rock scene.
- Career context
- Science Faire is The Apples in Stereo's debut album, released in 1996 when they were emerging from the Elephant 6 collective, a vibrant hub for indie rock. This record marked their entry into the music scene, showcasing their unique blend of psychedelic pop and lo-fi aesthetics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Olivia Tremor Control· Neutral Milk Hotel· of Montreal
Tracklist
- 1 Tidal Wave Start here 2:57
- 2 Motorcar 3:39
- 3 Turncoat Indian 2:26
- 4 Haley 3:50
- 5 Not the Same 2:54
- 6 Stop Along the Way 2:46
- 7 Running in Circles 2:29
- 8 Hypnotic Suggestion 2:09
- 9 Touch the Water 2:10
- 10 Glowworm 2:42
- 11 To Love the Vibration of the Bulb 2:20
- 12 Time for Bed - I Know You’ll Do Well 5:14
- 13 Rocket Pad 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.