The Common Touch
Custard · 2017
40 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars, introspective lyrics, and energetic rhythms capturing the essence of modern indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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In the Grand Scheme of Things (None of This Really Matters) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its contemplative lyrics about life's fleeting nature, paired with an upbeat melody that captures Custard's signature style.
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I'm Not Well — Here, the band combines humor with raw vulnerability, creating a relatable anthem that resonates with anyone experiencing mental health challenges. Its catchy chorus makes it unforgettable.
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Police Cars — This track showcases a more serious side of Custard, tackling themes of societal issues through sharp lyricism and a driving rhythm that compels listeners to engage with its message.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar harmonies that create a rich, textured sound, particularly in 'Halley's Comet' and 'Hands on Fire'.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and personal struggle, with a notable shift in tone from hopeful to reflective as it progresses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- nostalgic reflections on life
- short bursts of melodic energy
- thoughtful lyrics for contemplation
- lighthearted moments with depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long immersive pieces
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, The Common Touch marked Custard's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last album in 2000. This resurgence positioned them back into the indie rock scene, showcasing their evolved sound while maintaining their signature wit and charm.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Supergrass· Pavement· Weezer
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In the Grand Scheme of Things (None of This Really Matters) 2:05
- 2 Halley's Comet 3:09
- 3 I'm Not Well 4:16
- 4 Princes HWY 3:50
- 5 Sinking Deep 3:58
- 6 You Always Knew 3:36
- 7 Hands on Fire 3:07
- 8 Armageddon 4:06
- 9 Dr Huxley Creeper 2:59
- 10 2000 Woman 2:48
- 11 Police Cars 3:25
- 12 Take It From Here 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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