A New Set of Lungs
Hot Cross · 2001
14 min · 7 tracks · post-hardcore
A frenetic blend of chaotic riffs and raw emotional intensity that defines post-hardcore's early 2000s landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Born on the Cusp — The opening track sets a frenetic pace with urgent instrumentation and visceral lyrics that encapsulate the band's raw energy.
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Lend Me Your Brain (I’m Building an Idiot) — This track features intricate guitar work and a dissonant chorus that showcases the band's ability to blend melody with aggressive dynamics.
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Putting the Past Right — With its reflective lyrics and shifting tempos, this song highlights Hot Cross's lyrical depth while maintaining their signature intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong contrasts and chaotic energy typical of early post-hardcore, establishing its distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a rapid-fire guitar riff that sets a chaotic tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
- Vocal delivery alternates between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creating a dynamic contrast in each song.
- The final track ends with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of tension.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- short bursts of chaotic energy
- raw emotional intensity release
- frantic pacing with quick transitions
- headbanging anthems for adrenaline
- intense moments for cathartic expression
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- want smooth, polished production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, A New Set of Lungs marked Hot Cross's debut album, following the band's formation in 1997. This record established their presence in the post-hardcore scene, showcasing their unique sound as they transitioned from local performers to a broader audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Blood Brothers· At the Drive-In· Refused
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Born on the Cusp 1:28
- 2 History Fell in the Heart Broke Open 1:48
- 3 Between Minutes and Miles 2:14
- 4 Lend Me Your Brain (I’m Building an Idiot) 2:36
- 5 Putting the Past Right 2:10
- 6 4A:030401 1:17
- 7 Finger Redux 2:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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