Time Is a Machine
Listener · 2013
30 min · 8 tracks · indie rock
A poignant blend of introspective lyrics and intricate melodies wrapped in an indie rock aesthetic.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tornadoes — This track stands out for its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, capturing the essence of life's chaos and uncertainty.
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There Are Wrecking Balls Inside Us — This song delves into internal struggles and personal growth with a haunting melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
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It Will All Happen the Way It Should — The closing track encapsulates the album's themes of acceptance and resilience through its reflective lyrics and soothing arrangement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines spoken word and melody effectively, though it lacks strong cohesion across tracks.
What we noticed
- Each track features varying dynamics, with some building to climactic moments while others maintain a more subdued tone throughout.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and metaphor, particularly in the lead single 'Tornadoes', which showcases the band's introspective approach.
- 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
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
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- gradual development of themes
- short tracks for focused listening
- existential musings for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone tracks over flow
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2013, Time Is a Machine marked Listener's sophomore album, following their debut album, Wooden Heart, which showcased their unique spoken word style. This record further solidified their presence in the indie rock scene as they evolved their sound and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Antlers· Death Cab for Cutie· Explosions in the Sky
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Eyes to the Ground for Change 3:11
- 2 Good News First 3:59
- 3 Not Today 4:25
- 4 Tornadoes 4:11
- 5 I Think It's Called Survival 2:35
- 6 Everything Sleeps 3:22
- 7 There Are Wrecking Balls Inside Us 3:31
- 8 It Will All Happen the Way It Should 5:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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