The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs cover

The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs

Wye Oak · 2018

38 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a lush soundscape that balances tension and tranquility.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of anxiety and urgency through dynamic instrumentation and reflective lyrics that resonate deeply.
  • →
    Lifer — With its driving beat and poignant melancholy, this track highlights the struggle between longing for connection and the pain of disconnection.
  • →
    It Was Not Natural — The song's haunting atmosphere and lyrical depth illustrate a pivotal moment of self-reflection, showcasing the duo's growth as songwriters.

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 album blends ethereal melodies with intricate rhythms, showcasing strong craft and composition.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief tuning track, followed by a sequence of songs that gradually build in intensity and complexity.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a sense of depth, while others incorporate electronic beats alongside traditional instrumentation.
  • The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • ethereal melodies for introspective moments
  • tension and tranquility balance
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • immersive soundscapes for deep dives

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of immediate gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs is Wye Oak's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Tween in 2014. By this release, the duo had evolved their sound from folk-infused rock to incorporate more electronic elements, reflecting a significant artistic maturation. This album showcases their ability to blend complex arrangements with introspective lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
Sylvan Esso· The Antlers· Sufjan Stevens

Tracklist

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

  • 1 (Tuning) 0:36
  • 2 The Instrument 3:21
  • 3 The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs 4:23
  • 4 Lifer 3:31
  • 5 It Was Not Natural 4:05
  • 6 Symmetry 4:06
  • 7 My Signal 1:35
  • 8 Say Hello 3:43
  • 9 Over and Over 2:53
  • 10 You of All People 3:54
  • 11 Join 2:55
  • 12 I Know It’s Real 3:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata