Travellers in Space and Time cover

Travellers in Space and Time

The Apples in Stereo · 2010

51 min · 16 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of indie rock and psychedelic pop, blending catchy melodies with whimsical themes of space and time.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hey Elevator — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and playful lyrics about rising above life's challenges, reflecting the album's uplifting spirit.
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    Dream About the Future Start here — Featuring lush harmonies and a dreamy soundscape, this song captures the essence of optimism and wonder that permeates the album.
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    C.P.U. — With its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics about technology's role in our lives, this track exemplifies the band's knack for merging fun with thought-provoking themes.
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    Next Year at About the Same Time — The nostalgic feel of this song, coupled with its reflective lyrics on time passing, encapsulates a core theme of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with thematic depth, showcasing strong production and a unique sound.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective songs.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and prominent use of synthesizers, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • The album includes recurring motifs related to space and time, which are woven into the lyrics and overall themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • joyful exploration of soundscapes
  • optimistic vibes for daydreaming
  • playful melodies for light moments
  • kaleidoscopic journeys through time

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, urgent tracks
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Noted for its ambitious conceptual framework and innovative sound.
Career context
Released in 2010, Travellers in Space and Time is The Apples in Stereo's sixth studio album and marks their first release after a five-year hiatus following New Magnetic Wonder. At this point, the band was revitalizing their sound while continuing to explore the playful avant-pop aesthetics that defined their earlier work. The album features contributions from various musicians, showcasing a collaborative spirit that reflects their evolving approach.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Code 0:22
  • 2 Dream About the Future Start here 4:15
  • 3 Hey Elevator 3:46
  • 4 Strange Solar System 0:59
  • 5 Dance Floor 4:02
  • 6 C.P.U. 3:39
  • 7 No One in the World 4:16
  • 8 Dignified Dignitary 3:22
  • 9 No Vacation 3:56
  • 10 Told You Once 3:58
  • 11 It's All Right 3:38
  • 12 Next Year at About the Same Time 3:08
  • 13 Floating in Space 2:34
  • 14 Nobody But You 4:20
  • 15 Wings Away 2:47
  • 16 Time Pilot 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata