1001 Albums Summary

Listening Setting: In my office at school. Overcast, low 50s. Quiet work day. I've listened to this album previously, and it didn't connect with me then. I can feel a bit more of the energy this time around, though I do feel it suffers from being a "proto-" hardcore album. Those that came after it expanded upon the core sound in a way that makes this one feel redundant. I'd imagine this would be a fantastic summer road trip album to just jam to. The tinkling guitars almost suggest a jangle pop slant, but it never really loses that punk edge. 3/5

Setting: DCS Airport, 8:45 am. Cold, but sunny. I'm trying to give this an honest listen, but it's a rough go. I'm a bit shocked to hear this is closer to Imagine Dragons in production and songwriting. I was hoping for something a bit more soulful, but this has all the markings of a profit-driven drivel written to be played in supermarkets and animal rescue commercials. Occasionally, the production offers tiny surprises and hidden elements. But when every song repeats its anthemic chorus 6 times in a 3 minute span, the whole experience grows tiresome. It's just absolutely soulless.