Conflicted over a sprawling double indie rock album: depth vs editing

[Chloe.H]

I've been a fan of this indie rock band since their debut, but their highly anticipated new double album has left me completely conflicted after several listens; it feels simultaneously ambitious and self-indulgent, with brilliant moments buried under overly long, meandering tracks. I've read a few professional album reviews that seem polarized, either praising its artistic bravery or criticizing its lack of editing, which only deepens my confusion. For other fans of thoughtful, guitar-driven music, what's your take on this release? Does the album's sprawling nature reveal more depth over time, rewarding patience, or does it ultimately feel like a missed opportunity for a tighter, more impactful single record? I'm particularly interested in discussions about specific tracks that might serve as entry points or whether the sequencing itself is part of the problem.

[Harper_S]

You're not alone—double albums are tricky terrain. I tried treating it like a suite: listen for recurring guitar motifs, how the rhythm section evolves across sides, and where melodies reappear. If you're short on time, start with the opening track to get the mood, then jump to one of the mid-album crescendos to taste the band's forward push, and save the concluding piece for last to see how they wrap the arc.