Three Flights from Alto Nido
Greg Laswell · 2008
42 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
A tapestry of introspective melodies woven with delicate instrumentation and heartfelt vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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How the Day Sounds — This track showcases Laswell's signature blend of airy melodies and reflective lyrics, encapsulating both vulnerability and hopefulness. Its inclusion in multiple TV series has made it one of his most recognizable songs.
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Comes and Goes (In Waves) — With its sweeping arrangement and poignant lyrics about love's transience, this song illustrates the emotional core of the album. It stands out for its rich instrumentation that builds an immersive listening experience.
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It's Been a Year — This opening track effectively sets the tone for the album with its contemplative lyrics and haunting melody, drawing listeners into Laswell's introspective world immediately.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and emotional depth but remains within familiar indie rock territory.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The instrumentation often includes piano and strings, which are prominent in the mix and contribute to the overall introspective feel.
- 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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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- introspective melodies for solitude
- gentle soundscapes for reflection
- short tracks with emotional depth
- heartfelt vocals during quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, high-energy music
- want complex, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Three Flights from Alto Nido is Greg Laswell's second studio album, following his debut, Through Toledo, which established him within the indie rock scene. Released in 2008, this album captures Laswell's burgeoning artistry as he expands his sound and lyrical depth, solidifying his presence as a poignant songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joshua Radin· Damien Rice· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It's Been a Year 3:12
- 2 That It Moves 3:54
- 3 The One I Love 2:35
- 4 Comes and Goes (In Waves) 4:13
- 5 How the Day Sounds 4:49
- 6 Sweet Dream 1:07
- 7 Days Go On 3:15
- 8 I'd Be Lying 4:45
- 9 Farewell 3:56
- 10 Not Out 3:32
- 11 And Then You 3:29
- 12 That It Moves (Garageband demo) 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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