The Rhumb Line
Ra Ra Riot · 2008
37 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant mix of orchestral pop and indie rock, rich with lush arrangements and heartfelt lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ghost Under Rocks — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, combining dynamic instrumentation with introspective lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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Each Year — Its reflective lyrics explore themes of nostalgia and loss, paired with a soaring chorus that highlights the band's signature string arrangements.
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Dying Is Fine — This track stands out for its poignant lyrical exploration of mortality, coupled with a buoyant melody that juxtaposes its serious subject matter, showcasing the band’s lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features vibrant arrangements and strong melodies but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving tempo in 'Ghost Under Rocks', immediately establishing an energetic pace that persists through the first half.
- Strings are prominently featured throughout, often intertwining with guitar lines to create a lush soundscape, particularly in tracks like 'Each Year' and 'Dying Is Fine'.
- Several tracks, such as 'Winter '05' and 'Suspended in Gaffa', incorporate shifts in dynamics, moving from quieter verses to more explosive choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
- celebratory melodies for gatherings
- introspective moments with friends
- lush soundscapes for evening drives
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on August 19, 2008, The Rhumb Line is Ra Ra Riot's debut album, following the band's formation in 2006. This record marked their arrival on the indie rock scene, showcasing their unique blend of strings and upbeat rhythms while earning significant attention for its polished sound and emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Decemberists· Arcade Fire· Vampire Weekend
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ghost Under Rocks 4:27
- 2 Each Year 3:17
- 3 St. Peter's Day Festival 3:35
- 4 Winter '05 2:56
- 5 Dying Is Fine 3:51
- 6 Can You Tell 2:42
- 7 Too Too Too Fast 3:46
- 8 Oh, La 4:41
- 9 Suspended in Gaffa 3:48
- 10 Run My Mouth 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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