What makes A Bestiary Of by The Creatures notable?

A Bestiary Of garnered critical acclaim for its adventurous sound and lyrical depth, highlighted by its inclusion in several year-end lists by music publications. The album demonstrated The Creatures' ongoing evolution as artists, influencing a generation of alternative rock musicians and securing a place in the late '90s music scene. Released in 1997, A Bestiary Of is The Creatures' fourth studio album, following the 1995 release of Anima Animus. At this point in their career, the duo—comprising Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie—had already established a unique sound, blending punk influences with experimental pop. This album continued to showcase their innovative approach while exploring diverse musical landscapes.

How many songs are on A Bestiary Of?

A Bestiary Of has 18 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

A Bestiary Of

The Creatures · 1997

59 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of alternative rock and new wave elements, pulsating with eclectic rhythms and vivid lyrical imagery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mad Eyed Screamer — Opening with a frenetic energy, this track encapsulates the album's raw intensity and sets the tone for the wild sonic exploration that follows.
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So Unreal — The haunting melodies and evocative lyrics reveal an introspective side of the band while maintaining a punchy rhythm that exemplifies their signature style.
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Wild Thing — This cover transforms the classic into a playful yet powerful anthem, showcasing The Creatures’ ability to reinterpret familiar sounds through their unique lens.
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Dancing on Glass — With its intricate layers and hypnotic beat, this track perfectly highlights the band's knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes that invite deep listening.

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 showcases strong writing and production, balancing energetic tracks with introspective moments.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Mad Eyed Screamer', and maintains an upbeat tempo through the first half before introducing more varied rhythms.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Dancing on Glass' and 'Sky Train'.
The lyrical themes shift from surreal imagery to introspective reflections, with tracks like 'Miss the Girl' providing a stark contrast to the more vibrant pieces.
The final three tracks slow down the pace significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Mad Eyed Screamer 1:52
2 So Unreal 2:15
3 But Not Them 3:19
4 Wild Thing 3:09
5 Thumb 3:58
6 Morning Dawning 4:02
7 Inoa'ole 3:49
8 Ice House 2:46
9 Dancing on Glass 2:16
10 Gecko 3:50
11 Sky Train 3:15
12 Festival of Colours 3:33
13 Miss the Girl 2:35
14 A Strutting Rooster 5:04
15 Flesh 4:26
16 Hot Springs in the Snow 3:51
17 Weathercade 2:48
18 Right Now 2:14

What to play next

Listen next

Anima Animus

1999

Go back to

Boomerang

1989

Full The Creatures discography Artists like The Creatures

alternative rock new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata