Up, Guards and at 'Em!
The Pigeon Detectives · 2011
36 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A punchy blend of catchy hooks and energetic guitar riffs that captures the essence of early 2010s indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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She Wants Me — This opening track sets an upbeat tone with infectious energy and relatable lyrics about unrequited desire, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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Need to Know This — Featuring a driving rhythm and sing-along chorus, this song showcases the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks that resonate with listeners.
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Go at It Completely — With its dynamic shifts between verses and chorus, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend introspection with an energetic soundscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic hooks but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, creating an interactive feel that engages the listener.
- The album closes with a track that features a fade-out ending, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- high-energy party starter tracks
- catchy sing-along moments
- upbeat tunes for social gatherings
- short bursts of infectious fun
Maybe skip if you
- slow, introspective listening preferences
- long, sprawling musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2011, Up, Guards and at 'Em! was The Pigeon Detectives' third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort, Emergency. By this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the indie rock scene, building on the momentum from previous chart successes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Wombats· The Fratellis· Bloc Party
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What Can I Say?
The lyrics shift from uncertainty to a bold declaration of feelings creates a significant emotional climax within the song.
This transition not only deepens the narrative but also enhances the song's overall urgency, making it a standout moment in the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 She Wants Me 3:33
- 2 Lost 4:13
- 3 What Can I Say? 4:29
- 4 Need to Know This 2:42
- 5 Done in Secret 3:58
- 6 What You Gonna Do? 3:10
- 7 Turn Out the Lights 3:48
- 8 Through the Door 3:15
- 9 Go at It Completely 3:32
- 10 I Don't Know You 4:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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