Twice Upon a Hell of a Time
Matt Mays · 2018
53 min · 13 tracks · indie rock
A rich tapestry of indie rock infused with heartfelt storytelling and melodic hooks that linger long after the last note.
Top tracks — play these first
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Trust Life — The opening track sets the tone for the album with an anthemic sound and introspective lyrics that encourage embracing life’s uncertainties.
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Howl at the Night — This song captures the essence of nightlife and self-reflection, blending catchy melodies with vivid imagery that resonates with listeners.
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Drunken Angels — A standout ballad that juxtaposes vulnerability with uplifting instrumentation, showcasing Mays' ability to convey deep emotion through music.
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Perfectly Wasted — This track encapsulates themes of escapism and revelry, delivered through a driving rhythm that invites listeners to engage with its carefree spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and cohesive themes, though it doesn't break new ground in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build on the melodic hooks established in the verses.
- The last three tracks transition into a more reflective tone, with slower arrangements that create a sense of closure.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 contemplative journey
- heartfelt storytelling with melodic hooks
- for reflective road trips
- engaging narratives for evening unwind
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Matt Mays released Twice Upon a Hell of a Time in 2018, he was already an established figure in the Canadian indie rock scene. This album came as his fifth studio release, following 2015's Once Upon a Hell of a Time, showcasing his continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The War on Drugs· Father John Misty· Band of Horses
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Trust Life 4:56
- 2 Sentimental Sins 4:38
- 3 Faint of Heart 3:38
- 4 Drive On 3:52
- 5 Howl at the Night 4:17
- 6 NYC Girls 3:33
- 7 Dark Promises 3:15
- 8 Perfectly Wasted 4:05
- 9 Drunken Angels 5:51
- 10 Ola Volo 3:36
- 11 78's, 33's & 45's 3:10
- 12 Station out of Range 5:07
- 13 Never Say Never 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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