To the Races cover

Released 20 years ago

To the Races

Eric Bachmann · 2006

38 min · 10 tracks

A blend of introspective folk melodies and raw lyrical storytelling, evoking a sense of place and emotion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Man o’ War — Opening the album, this track sets a contemplative tone with its rich instrumentation and poignant lyrics about struggle and resilience.
  • →
    Home — This song encapsulates a sense of yearning for belonging, blending haunting melodies with vivid imagery that captures emotional landscapes.
  • →
    Genevieve — Featuring intricate guitar work and heartfelt vocals, this track stands out for its narrative focus on affection and nostalgia, representing the album's emotional core.
  • →
    Liars and Thieves — With its driving rhythm and sharp lyricism, this track addresses betrayal and trust, showcasing Bachmann's knack for storytelling through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's thoughtful pacing and lyrical depth create an engaging experience, though it remains within familiar indie-folk territory.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a gradual increase in tempo and intensity through the first half.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds to a fuller sound before stripping back to solo vocals or minimal arrangements.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Man o’ War 6:24
  • 2 Home 4:01
  • 3 Carrboro Woman 5:23
  • 4 Genevieve 3:54
  • 5 Genie, Genie 2:42
  • 6 Lonesome Warrior 2:42
  • 7 To the Races 2:08
  • 8 Liars and Thieves 3:59
  • 9 Little Bird 3:31
  • 10 So Long, Savannah 3:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata