Towards the Sun cover

Towards the Sun

Alexi Murdoch · 2011

37 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock

Intimate acoustic melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics, evoking a sense of serene introspection and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Towards the Sun — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and resilience, combining Murdoch's signature vocal style with lush instrumentation that sets the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Slow Revolution — This track showcases Murdoch's ability to blend poignant storytelling with melodic progression, creating a contemplative atmosphere that invites listeners to reflect on personal growth.
  • →
    Crinan Wood — Spanning over eight minutes, this closing track unfolds gradually, merging rich imagery with complex musical layers that highlight Murdoch's artistry and narrative depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album features intimate songwriting and cohesive acoustic arrangements, appealing to fans of indie folk.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature gentle acoustic guitar melodies that build a consistent mood of introspection.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with lyrics that reflect personal and emotional themes.
  • The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, creating a sense of resolution and completion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

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 2/10

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

  • soothing reflections for quiet moments
  • steady pacing for thoughtful listening
  • gradual builds towards emotional resolution
  • introspective soundscapes for solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, Towards the Sun is Alexi Murdoch's third studio album, following his critically acclaimed debut Time Without Consequence in 2006. By this point, Murdoch had established himself within the indie folk scene, yet this album marks a departure towards more expansive soundscapes and lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens· Nick Drake

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Towards the Sun 4:40
  • 2 At Your Door 2:53
  • 3 Some Day Soon 5:10
  • 4 Slow Revolution 5:53
  • 5 Through the Dark 5:41
  • 6 The Light (Her Hands Were Leaves) 4:48
  • 7 Crinan Wood 8:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata