Strange Words and Weird Wars cover

Strange Words and Weird Wars

Helen Marnie · 2017

39 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

Synth-driven melodies intertwine with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike landscape of emotional introspection and nostalgic echoes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    G.I.R.L.S. — This track stands out for its empowering message and catchy chorus, encapsulating contemporary feminist themes while maintaining an infectious pop sensibility.
  • →
    Electric Youth — A vibrant exploration of youthful optimism, this song features bright synths and driving beats that evoke a sense of freedom and possibility.
  • →
    Heartbreak Kid — This track delves into the complexities of love and loss, with poignant lyrics wrapped in lush instrumentation that highlight Marnie's vocal range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends layered synths and introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering synths and vocals to create a dense atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, adding a narrative quality that contrasts with the melodic sections.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, emphasizing ambient textures and minimalistic arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Alphabet Block 4:24
  • 2 Bloom 3:00
  • 3 G.I.R.L.S. 3:59
  • 4 Electric Youth 3:27
  • 5 A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night 4:45
  • 6 Lost Maps 4:16
  • 7 Summer Boys 4:30
  • 8 Little Knives 3:45
  • 9 Invisible Girl 3:20
  • 10 Heartbreak Kid 4:15

What to play next

Crystal World
Go back to

Crystal World

2013
Full Helen Marnie discography Artists like Helen Marnie

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata