Wild Like Children cover

Wild Like Children

Tilly and the Wall · 2004

44 min · 10 tracks · indie pop

Joyful, percussive melodies intertwine with playful vocals, creating a whimsical atmosphere that captures youthful exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nights of the Living Dead — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and vibrant energy, encapsulating the album's playful spirit while addressing darker themes in a light-hearted manner.
  • →
    Let It Rain — With its lush harmonies and catchy melody, this track exemplifies the band's ability to blend joyous instrumentation with introspective lyrics about resilience.
  • →
    The Ice Storm, Big Gust, and You — This epic closing track contrasts the shorter songs with its expansive narrative and dynamic shifts, showcasing the band's artistic range and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's unique use of tap dancing and layered vocals creates a playful sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features tap dancing as the primary percussion, creating a distinct rhythmic foundation that is uncommon in indie pop.
  • Vocals are often layered in harmonies, with multiple singers contributing to the melody, enhancing the playful and whimsical atmosphere.
  • Tracks frequently shift dynamics, with several songs starting softly and building to more energetic climaxes, maintaining listener engagement.
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
8/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • You and I Misbehaving

    The bridge shifts perspectives abruptly, emphasizing a moment of introspection before returning to playful mischief.

    This structural choice creates a contrast between carefree fun and self-reflection, deepening the emotional impact of the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Fell Down the Stairs 2:20
  • 2 Nights of the Living Dead 3:55
  • 3 Bessa 2:38
  • 4 You and I Misbehaving 4:16
  • 5 Reckless 2:50
  • 6 Let It Rain 3:55
  • 7 Shake It Out 4:05
  • 8 A Perfect Fit 3:19
  • 9 I Always Knew 3:10
  • 10 The Ice Storm, Big Gust, and You 14:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata