Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free
Akron/Family · 2009
49 min · 11 tracks · indie folk
A kaleidoscopic blend of folk, rock, and experimental sounds, infused with an earthy warmth and communal spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everyone Is Guilty — The opening track sets a tone of introspection with its haunting melodies and layered vocals, encapsulating the album's themes of guilt and existential inquiry.
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River — With its flowing instrumentation and meditative lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge natural imagery with profound emotional undercurrents.
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Gravelly Mountains of the Moon — This lengthy piece showcases the band's propensity for sonic exploration, merging intricate arrangements with ethereal vocal harmonies that evoke a sense of mystical adventure.
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They Will Appear — The song features rich textures and a driving rhythm that builds tension before releasing into a euphoric climax, highlighting the band's dynamic range.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres with strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness, creating a rewarding listening experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as strings and percussive elements that create a rich sonic texture.
- The sequencing alternates between more energetic songs and introspective pieces, with the final track providing a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- ethereal soundscapes for introspection
- sprawling tracks inviting exploration
- warm harmonies for reflective moments
- patient builds rewarding deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free is Akron/Family's third studio album, following their 2007 release, Love Is Simple. At this point in their career, the band was carving out a distinct identity within the indie folk scene, moving toward more expansive and experimental soundscapes. The album showcases their growth as they experiment with layering harmonies and eclectic instrumentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleet Foxes· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everyone Is Guilty 5:57
- 2 River 4:45
- 3 Creatures 4:13
- 4 The Alps & Their Orange Evergreen 3:51
- 5 Set ʻEm Free, Part 1 2:37
- 6 Gravelly Mountains of the Moon 7:40
- 7 Many Ghosts 4:04
- 8 MBF 3:14
- 9 They Will Appear 6:28
- 10 Sun Will Shine (Warmth of the Sunship version) 5:12
- 11 Last Year 1:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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