A Critical Look at Built to Spill: Why the Band is Not as Great as You Think

Do you like Built to Spill? If so, prepare for a small rant, because I'm about to dish out some serious criticism (with a comedic twist!). Whatever your opinion of the music artist might be - whether you love them or hate them - it's hard to deny their impact in the alternative rock scene. But while Built to Spill may have garnered acclaim and adoration from fans all over the world, there are some concerning aspects that many listeners tend to overlook every time they listen! So buckle up as I go through each issue with this particular band.

Built to Spill is an American indie rock band that has gained a cult following among music enthusiasts. And hey, I get it - the band has a unique sound with amazing guitar riffs and lyrics that seem to speak to our angsty teenage selves. But, I have to be honest here - after years of listening to Built to Spill, I can't help but feel underwhelmed. So, in this blog post, I'm going to explore the reasons why Built to Spill is not as great as everyone makes them out to be.

1. Lack of Creativity

One of the significant issues with Built to Spill is their inability to evolve musically. Sure, their first album Ultimate Alternative Wavers had some songs that became instant classics, such as Big Dipper and Car. However, as the years went by, Built to Spill became complacent, rehashing familiar chord progressions and guitar riffs. While the band has released eight studio albums, they all sound remarkably similar with little to no experimentation.

2. Tedious Song Structures

Another aspect of Built to Spill's music that gets repetitive is their song structures. Most Built to Spill songs start with a guitar or bass riff, followed by the verse, chorus, verse, chorus, and then ends with a guitar solo. Rinse and repeat. While this formula may have worked for their earlier music, it has become tiresome and predictable.

3. Uneven Storytelling

Doug Martsch, the founder, and lead singer of Built to Spill is known for his unique lyrical style. He infuses his lyrics with poetry and metaphor, which has made him a cult figure among Built to Spill fans. However, while his lyrics can be insightful and relatable, more often than not, they are inscrutable and hard to follow. Furthermore, his lyrics can be uneven, with some songs being exceptional, while others are forgettable and lack substance.

4. Overhyped Live Performances

4. Overhyped Live Performances

Built to Spill's live performances are the stuff of legend. The band has been known to play long sets with improvisations, encore after encore, and Doug Martsch's guitar solos are a sight to behold. However, in recent years, their live performances have become lackluster, with Doug's guitar solos getting longer and longer, and the band's improvisation becoming chaotic and unfocused.

5. Limited Musical Range

Built to Spill has a distinctive sound that sets them apart from other indie rock bands. Still, unfortunately, this sound has become their defining feature, stifling innovation and experimentation. While they have dabbled in different musical genres, such as country and folk, they never truly committed to exploring outside their comfort zone. As a result, their music has become predictable and boring.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate that this is not an attack on Built to Spill, but rather an honest assessment of their music. Yes, they have contributed to the alternative rock scene, and some of their songs are genuinely fantastic. However, their lack of musical creativity, monotonous song structures, confusing lyrics, and overhyped live shows, have made them less enjoyable to listen to over time. As a fan of Built to Spill, I hope that they can take these criticisms constructively and turn them into catalysts for a new and exciting chapter in their music career.