The Burgh Island EP cover

The Burgh Island EP

Ben Howard · 2012

23 min · 4 tracks · folk music

Ethereal folk melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that invites deep reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Esmerelda — Opening the EP with a captivating blend of gentle guitar and layered vocals, this track sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows. Its rich imagery and emotive delivery encapsulate Howard's signature style.
  • →
    Oats in the Water — This standout track features haunting instrumentation and poignant lyrics that explore themes of isolation and longing. Its moody atmosphere and dynamic shifts highlight Howard's ability to convey deep emotion.
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    Burgh Island — The title track serves as an evocative closing piece, blending elements of storytelling with a compelling musical arrangement. Its extended runtime allows for a gradual buildup, immersing listeners in its reflective narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and cohesive production, enhancing its reflective quality.

What we noticed

  • The first track features layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, creating a lush soundscape.
  • Each song employs a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns, establishing a reflective mood throughout.
  • The final track introduces ambient sounds and fades out slowly, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Esmerelda 4:44
  • 2 Oats in the Water 4:59
  • 3 To Be Alone 5:37
  • 4 Burgh Island 8:13

What to play next

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folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata