Released 17 years ago this October
There Is No Enemy
Built to Spill · 2009
60 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling blend of intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics, echoing the struggles of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hindsight — This track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and personal growth through its layered melodies and poignant lyrics that question past decisions.
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Good Ol' Boredom — With its winding guitar lines and contemplative verses, this song captures a sense of ennui that resonates throughout the album, making it a standout exploration of tedium.
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Things Fall Apart — This closing track features an expansive arrangement that builds gradually, mirroring the lyrical exploration of disillusionment and acceptance amidst chaos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate songwriting and dynamic instrumentation, reflecting the band's established style.
What we noticed
- The album features extended guitar solos that often build in intensity, particularly in tracks like 'Hindsight' and 'Things Fall Apart'.
- The lyrics frequently reflect on themes of disillusionment and introspection, with a conversational delivery that invites listener engagement.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- introspective late-night reflections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, There Is No Enemy is Built to Spill's sixth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, You in Reverse from 2006. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their legacy within the indie rock scene while continuing to evolve their sound with more complex arrangements and reflective themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Modest Mouse· The Shins· Death Cab for Cutie
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Aisle 13 3:18
- 2 Hindsight 3:38
- 3 Nowhere Lullaby 4:00
- 4 Good Ol' Boredom 6:31
- 5 Life's a Dream 4:54
- 6 Oh Yeah 5:21
- 7 Pat 2:40
- 8 Done 6:54
- 9 Planting Seeds 4:27
- 10 Things Fall Apart 6:15
- 11 Tomorrow 7:42
- 12 Water Sleepers 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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