What makes What It Is to Burn by Finch notable?

The album received significant critical acclaim upon release, praised for its energetic sound and emotional depth. It peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and helped define the early 2000s post-hardcore landscape, influencing numerous bands that followed. What It Is to Burn marked Finch's debut album, released in January 2002. At this point, the band was still building their identity within the emerging emo and post-hardcore scenes, following the success of their EP, Falling Into Place.

Who is What It Is to Burn for?

What It Is to Burn works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on What It Is to Burn?

What It Is to Burn has 13 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

What It Is to Burn

Finch · 2002

61 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Lush melodies intertwine with raw emotional intensity, creating a sonic landscape that balances post-hardcore energy and melodic hooks.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Letters to You — This track encapsulates Finch's blending of catchy melodies with poignant lyrics, serving as a powerful anthem about longing and connection.
→
What It Is to Burn — The title track features an explosive chorus that showcases the band's signature sound, marrying intense instrumentation with heartfelt vocal delivery.
→
Three Simple Words — This song highlights the band's lyrical vulnerability and dynamic shifts, making it a standout example of their ability to balance aggression with introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic post-hardcore elements with melodic hooks, showcasing a strong but uneven debut.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs and intense vocals, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective moments.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, creating a sense of tension and release.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
reflective late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: What It Is to Burn marked Finch's debut album, released in January 2002. At this point, the band was still building their identity within the emerging emo and post-hardcore scenes, following the success of their EP, Falling Into Place.
Stylistic neighbors: Thrice· Thursday· Taking Back Sunday

New to Finch? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

1 New Beginnings 4:01
2 Letters to You 3:19
3 Post Script 2:49
4 Grey Matter 2:39
5 Perfection Through Silence 3:09
6 Awake 4:48
7 Without You Here 4:10
8 Stay With Me 4:02
9 Project Mayhem 5:19
10 [untitled] 4:13
11 Three Simple Words 4:38
12 Ender 13:28
13 What It Is to Burn 4:29

What to play next

Listen next

Say Hello to Sunshine

2005

Go back to

Apologetic Theory

Full Finch discography Where to start with Finch Artists like Finch

alternative rock emo post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata