Wild Flag cover

Wild Flag

Wild Flag · 2011

40 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and infectious melodies that captures the essence of indie rock's early 2010s revival.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Romance — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy hooks and playful lyrics, encapsulating the band's spirited energy and musical chemistry.
  • →
    Boom — With its punchy rhythm and anthemic chorus, 'Boom' showcases the band's ability to craft succinct pop-rock songs that resonate powerfully.
  • →
    Racehorse — 'Racehorse' stands out for its intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, reflecting the band's post-punk influences while maintaining their unique sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, with effective pacing and memorable melodies.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a punchy track that features layered guitars and harmonized vocals, setting an energetic tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, such as 'Endless Talk,' which transitions from a driving beat to a more subdued section.
  • The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, creating a reflective mood as the album concludes.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • playful experimentation throughout tracks
  • dynamic flow with energetic peaks
  • for group listening
  • engaging rhythms for active enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike varied track lengths

Where this album fits

Career context
Wild Flag, formed in 2010, is a supergroup featuring members from Sleater-Kinney and Helium. This self-titled debut album marked their first collaborative effort, showcasing the artists' evolution after their previous bands disbanded. Released in January 2011, it came at a time when the indie rock scene was experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Stylistic neighbors
Swans· Dolphin· Thurston Moore

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Romance 3:52
  • 2 Something Came Over Me 4:03
  • 3 Boom 2:45
  • 4 Glass Tambourine 5:29
  • 5 Endless Talk 3:00
  • 6 Short Version 3:34
  • 7 Electric Band 3:33
  • 8 Future Crimes 2:44
  • 9 Racehorse 6:40
  • 10 Black Tiles 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata