Set the House on Fire cover

Set the House on Fire

Moddi · 2013

49 min · 11 tracks · indie pop

A haunting blend of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics, interwoven with delicate instrumentation that evokes a sense of longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    House by the Sea — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and emotional resonance, capturing the essence of longing through its reflective lyrics and melodic progression.
  • →
    Let the Spider Run Alive — With its intricate arrangement and metaphorical lyrics, this song exemplifies Moddi's ability to weave personal narratives into broader themes of existence and identity.
  • →
    Run to the Water — This piece showcases a captivating crescendo that mirrors the urgency of its themes, making it a powerful highlight of the album's emotional landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a cohesive flow but limited broader influence.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued and reflective pieces.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The instrumentation often includes strings and soft percussion, which contribute to a delicate atmosphere throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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 3/10

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

  • whimsical melodies with introspective themes
  • moments of quiet reflection
  • haunting sounds for late night
  • subtle crescendos that unfold gently

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek immediate gratification from songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2013, 'Set the House on Fire' marked Moddi's second studio album, following his critically acclaimed debut 'Floriography'. At this point in his career, Moddi was shifting from a folk-centric sound towards more eclectic arrangements, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and musician.
Stylistic neighbors
Sufjan Stevens· Ben Howard· Iron & Wine

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Heim 1:19
  • 2 House by the Sea 3:38
  • 3 Let the Spider Run Alive 5:11
  • 4 Soon You’ll Be Somebody Else! 4:15
  • 5 For an Unborn 7:28
  • 6 The Architect 5:56
  • 7 Run to the Water 3:39
  • 8 Silhouette 4:03
  • 9 One Minute More 7:25
  • 10 Heim igjen 1:34
  • 11 Northern Line 4:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata