Troubles of the Brain EP cover

Troubles of the Brain EP

The Veils · 2011

21 min · 7 tracks · indie rock

A blend of haunting melodies and lyrical introspection wrapped in the raw edge of indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bloom — Opening with lush instrumentation and a compelling vocal performance, this track encapsulates the EP's exploration of emotional complexities and personal growth.
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    Don't Let the Same Bee Sting You Twice — This track stands out for its catchy melody paired with reflective lyrics, illustrating a theme of resilience against repeated mistakes.
  • →
    The Stars Came Out Once the Lights Went Out — With its vivid imagery and contemplative tone, this song delves into themes of loss and hope, making it one of the most poignant moments on the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and thematic depth, supported by layered arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, haunting melody that sets a reflective tone for the EP.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with strings and guitar intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and existentialism, with a focus on personal struggles.
  • The final track closes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of unresolved tension.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • haunting melodies for reflective moments
  • short bursts of lyrical introspection
  • late-night listening with emotional depth
  • quick-paced tracks for swift engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, immersive experiences
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
When The Veils released Troubles of the Brain EP, they were in a transitional phase following their 2006 album, Nux Vomica. This EP marks their return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus, showcasing a maturation in sound and songwriting. The band sought to explore darker themes and more complex arrangements, setting the stage for their subsequent full-length album.
Stylistic neighbors
The National· Interpol· Franz Ferdinand

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Us Godless Teenagers

    The chorus shifts from collective despair to a rallying cry for change among youth.

    This structural pivot not only emphasizes urgency but also transforms the narrative from passive observation into active engagement.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Bloom 3:10
  • 2 Don't Let the Same Bee Sting You Twice 2:36
  • 3 The Stars Came Out Once the Lights Went Out 2:53
  • 4 The Wishbone 2:40
  • 5 Grey Lynn Park 2:41
  • 6 Us Godless Teenagers 3:03
  • 7 Iodine and Iron 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata