Sick Scenes
Los Campesinos! · 2017
40 min · 11 tracks · indie pop
Bright melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that’s both uplifting and tinged with melancholy.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
I Broke Up in Amarante — This track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and heartbreak, weaving vivid imagery with infectious hooks that linger long after listening.
-
→
A Slow, Slow Death — With its introspective lyrics set against an expansive soundscape, this song represents a poignant reflection on emotional vulnerability and the passage of time.
-
→
For Whom the Belly Tolls — This track stands out for its clever wordplay combined with an energetic rhythm, reflecting the band's signature style while delving into themes of desire and disillusionment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends engaging melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong writing but uneven execution.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building in intensity before transitioning to more subdued moments.
- Lyrically, the album often juxtaposes bright melodies with darker themes, evident in the contrast between upbeat instrumentals and introspective lyrics.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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 pacing for reflective moments
- mid-tempo anthems for group listening
- introspective vibes for rainy days
- engaging narratives throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and growth in sound and lyrical depth.
- Career context
- Released on February 24, 2017, Sick Scenes marked Los Campesinos!'s sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed No Blues from 2013. At this point in their career, the band had established a reputation for blending sharp lyrical observations with vibrant indie pop sounds, showcasing their evolution while still retaining the playful spirit of their earlier work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart· Tigers Jaw· Frightened Rabbit
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Renato Dall’Ara (2008) 2:48
- 2 Sad Suppers 3:37
- 3 I Broke Up in Amarante 3:13
- 4 A Slow, Slow Death 4:01
- 5 The Fall of Home 2:57
- 6 5 Flucloxacillin 3:09
- 7 Here’s to the Fourth Time! 3:45
- 8 For Whom the Belly Tolls 3:24
- 9 Got Stendhal’s 5:27
- 10 A Litany/Heart Swells 3:27
- 11 Hung Empty 4:30
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.