Some Kind of Salvation cover

Some Kind of Salvation

The Features · 2008

42 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

Energetic indie rock melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation, creating a vibrant soundscape of emotional honesty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    GMF (Genetically Modified Fable) — This track features catchy hooks paired with whimsical lyrics that explore themes of artificiality and identity, making it a standout representation of the band's playful yet thoughtful approach.
  • →
    The Gates of Hell — With its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus, this song exemplifies the album's energy while delving into darker thematic territory, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
  • →
    Foundation's Cracked — This track balances infectious melodies with introspective lyrics about vulnerability and uncertainty, capturing the essence of the album's emotional range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic melodies and introspective lyrics, but lacks strong cohesion in its latter half.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective tracks.
  • Several songs feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich sound texture.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • short bursts of youthful energy
  • reflective moments amidst lively tunes
  • eclectic instrumentation with emotional honesty
  • quick tracks for spontaneous listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want slow, contemplative pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2008, Some Kind of Salvation is The Features' sophomore album following their debut, Exhibit A. At this point, the band was building momentum in the indie rock scene, having gained attention for their unique blend of pop sensibilities and rock grit.
Stylistic neighbors
The Shins· Band of Horses· Death Cab for Cutie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Temporary Blues

    The bridge shifts perspective dramatically, reflecting on fleeting happiness through vivid imagery of everyday moments.

    This structural turn deepens the emotional impact by contrasting lightness with somber reflections, enhancing the song's exploration of transient joy.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Whatever Gets You By 1:17
  • 2 The Drawing Board 2:29
  • 3 Foundation's Cracked 3:01
  • 4 GMF (Genetically Modified Fable) 3:09
  • 5 The Temporary Blues 4:05
  • 6 Wooden Heart 3:13
  • 7 The Gates of Hell 4:31
  • 8 Still Lost 1:59
  • 9 Baby's Hammer 2:57
  • 10 Lions 3:37
  • 11 Concrete 2:26
  • 12 Off Track 2:59
  • 13 All I Ask 4:36
  • 14 Now You Know 2:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata