What makes With/Avec by Plants and Animals notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with particular praise from outlets like Pitchfork, which highlighted its adventurous sound and lyrical depth. It helped establish Plants and Animals as key players in the burgeoning indie rock movement of the late 2000s. With/Avec marks the debut album for Plants and Animals, released in early 2007 after the band formed in Montreal. At this stage, they were building their identity within the Canadian indie rock scene, gaining momentum following their initial EP.

How many songs are on With/Avec?

With/Avec has 4 tracks, running approximately 25 minutes.

With/Avec

Plants and Animals · 2007

25 min · 4 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of melodic indie rock infused with intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of wonder.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lola Who? — This opening track captivates with its catchy melody and whimsical storytelling, setting a playful tone that resonates throughout the album.
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Trials & Tribulations — The song explores themes of struggle and perseverance through rich instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to weave emotional narratives.
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Faerie Dance — Characterized by its enchanting melodies and layered harmonies, this track exemplifies the band's experimental spirit and artistic ambition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodies and varied arrangements but lacks some cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a layered guitar melody that builds gradually, introducing the band's sound.
Each song features dynamic shifts in tempo and instrumentation, particularly evident in the transition from 'Trials & Tribulations' to 'Faerie Dance'.
The final track combines elements of spoken word and traditional song structure, creating a unique blend that stands apart from the previous tracks.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Trials & Tribulations

The verses shift from personal reflection to broader commentary on life’s challenges, creating a contrast that deepens the message.

Tracklist

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

1 Lola Who? 5:33
2 Trials & Tribulations 4:07
3 Faerie Dance 7:09
4 Guru / Sinnerman 8:32

What to play next

Listen next

Parc Avenue

2008

Go back to

Plants and Animals

2003

Full Plants and Animals discography Artists like Plants and Animals

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata