Ups and Downsizing
The Swellers · 2009
39 min · 11 tracks · punk rock
Energetic punk rock melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing the struggles of youth and personal growth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fire Away — This track showcases the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic riffs while addressing themes of anxiety and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
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Do You Feel Better Yet? — The urgency in its instrumentation mirrors the frustration expressed in the lyrics, making it a standout anthem for those grappling with feeling stuck and questioning their choices.
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Stars — With its introspective lyrics and anthemic chorus, this closing track encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of searching for hope amidst struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk melodies with reflective themes, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a fast tempo with driving guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more varied pacing and introspective lyrics.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating a dynamic interaction between band members.
- The final track ends on a sustained chord, leaving a sense of unresolved tension that contrasts with the earlier energetic songs.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 2009 2:56
- 2 Fire Away 3:52
- 3 Sleeper 2:55
- 4 Welcome Back Riders 2:55
- 5 Feet First 4:07
- 6 Do You Feel Better Yet? 2:27
- 7 Ups and Downsizing 3:47
- 8 The Iron 2:13
- 9 Watch It Go 4:09
- 10 Stars 5:49
- 11 Dirt 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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