A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1 cover

A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1

Grandson · 2018

19 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A raw fusion of electronic beats and impassioned vocals articulates a sense of urgency and disillusionment with contemporary society.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    blood // water — This opening track sets the tone for the EP with its powerful critique of systemic injustice and personal struggle, combining driving beats with anthemic choruses.
  • →
    stick up — The song features an infectious hook and utilizes vivid imagery to address themes of rebellion against oppressive systems, embodying the album's urgent energy.
  • →
    overdose — This track delves into the personal struggles with addiction and despair, showcasing Grandson's ability to blend vulnerability with hard-hitting production.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The EP combines urgent themes with strong production and emotional vocals, establishing a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a heavy electronic beat that persists throughout the EP, creating a consistent sonic foundation.
  • Each song features layered vocal harmonies that emphasize emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
  • The final track ends abruptly, leaving a sense of unresolved tension that echoes the themes of disillusionment present in the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • raw energy for urgent moments
  • politically charged themes throughout
  • short bursts of intensity
  • for driving playlists

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, calming music
  • seek long, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on June 15, 2018, A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1 marked Grandson's debut EP, following a series of singles that established his politically charged voice in alternative hip-hop. This project positioned him as a significant new artist in a rapidly changing musical landscape, blending genres while addressing social issues.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 blood // water 3:34
  • 2 stick up 3:42
  • 3 despicable 3:43
  • 4 6:00 4:26
  • 5 overdose 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata