Waxing Gibbous
Malcolm Middleton · 2009
61 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
An introspective blend of melancholic melodies and reflective lyrics that weave through themes of love and uncertainty.
Top tracks — play these first
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Kiss at the Station — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of fleeting moments and emotional farewells, highlighting Middleton's lyrical storytelling prowess.
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Don't Want to Sleep Tonight — The haunting melody paired with introspective lyrics captures feelings of restlessness, making it a standout representation of the album's overall mood.
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Ballad of Fuck All — With its raw honesty and sharp wit, this track serves as a commentary on life’s absurdities, showcasing Middleton's unique voice within indie rock.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Middleton's introspective songwriting and varied pacing create an engaging yet reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
- Several songs employ a sparse arrangement, often relying on acoustic guitar and minimal percussion to highlight the introspective lyrics.
- The lyrics frequently explore themes of uncertainty and emotional vulnerability, with a focus on personal storytelling rather than abstract concepts.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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
- reflective moments of uncertainty
- intimate late-night listening experience
- melancholic melodies for solitude
- patient unfolding of emotions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Waxing Gibbous' was released in 2009, Malcolm Middleton was transitioning from his role as one half of the duo Arab Strap into a solo career. This album followed his previous solo effort, 'A Brighter Beat' (2007), and showcased his growth as a songwriter, emphasizing personal narratives and emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aidan Moffat· Arab Strap· The Twilight Sad
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Red Travellin' Socks 5:19
- 2 Kiss at the Station 4:58
- 3 Carry Me 4:47
- 4 Zero 6:01
- 5 Stop Doing Be Good 5:03
- 6 Don't Want to Sleep Tonight 5:54
- 7 Shadows 4:58
- 8 Ballad of Fuck All 4:51
- 9 Box & Knife 5:49
- 10 Made Up Your Mind 3:52
- 11 Subset of the World 3:15
- 12 Love on the Run 6:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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