Up in Flames cover

Up in Flames

Dan Snaith · 2003

39 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic textures and organic instrumentation that dances between introspection and exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I've Lived on a Dirt Road All My Life — This opening track stands out for its blend of deep house rhythms with a nostalgic folk narrative, setting the tone for the album’s explorative journey.
  • →
    Kid You'll Move Mountains — Infused with uplifting melodies and layered harmonies, this track encapsulates Snaith's ability to meld optimistic lyricism with intricate musical arrangements.
  • →
    Every Time She Turns Round It's Her Birthday — Closing the album with a sprawling seven-minute exploration, this track showcases Snaith's signature style of blending psychedelic pop with ambient soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

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

The album blends electronic and organic sounds effectively, creating a unique sonic landscape that rewards exploration.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of electronic textures, with tracks often layering multiple sounds that evolve over their duration.
  • Several tracks incorporate organic instrumentation, such as live drums and acoustic elements, blending seamlessly with the electronic components.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady rhythm while others shift dramatically in tempo and mood.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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 progression with emotional peaks
  • dreamy nostalgia for reflective moments
  • engaging soundscapes for focused listening
  • playful rhythms for casual enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Up in Flames marked Dan Snaith's third studio album under the moniker Caribou, following his breakthrough with Start Breaking My Heart in 2001. At this point in his career, Snaith was solidifying his unique sonic identity, merging elements of electronic music with folk influences, and establishing a distinct presence within the Canadian music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Four Tet· Tycho· Bonobo

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Kid You'll Move Mountains

    The moment shifts from introspective reflections to a soaring affirmation of potential, emphasizing growth and resilience amidst life's challenges.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I've Lived on a Dirt Road All My Life 5:36
  • 2 Skunks 3:46
  • 3 Hendrix With Ko 3:57
  • 4 Jacknuggeted 3:29
  • 5 Why the Long Face 0:44
  • 6 Bijoux 4:18
  • 7 Twins 1:46
  • 8 Kid You'll Move Mountains 5:01
  • 9 Crayon 2:40
  • 10 Every Time She Turns Round It's Her Birthday 7:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata