Against Nature
The Fatima Mansions · 1989
28 min · 8 tracks · alternative rock
A raw exploration of personal and societal chaos delivered through jagged melodies and sardonic lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Only Losers Take the Bus — The opening track sets a biting tone, intertwining themes of alienation with a catchy yet dissonant melody that encapsulates the album's spirit.
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Wilderness on Time — This track features dense lyrical imagery and an unsettling atmosphere, highlighting Coughlan's knack for merging personal introspection with broader societal critiques.
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Bishop of Babel — With its frenetic pace and provocative lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to tackle complex themes such as authority and existential dread with sardonic wit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's jagged melodies and sharp lyrics create a distinct sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm and jagged guitar lines, establishing an aggressive tone that persists throughout.
- Tracks often shift abruptly in dynamics, with sudden drops to quieter moments followed by intense crescendos.
- Lyrics frequently employ dark humor and social commentary, creating a sense of irony that complements the chaotic sound.
- 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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Day I Lost Everything
The narrative voice recounts their descent into despair through vivid imagery of loss and disillusionment.
The stark shift in tone towards vulnerability contrasts with the album's generally sardonic demeanor, showcasing Coughlan's range as a lyricist.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Only Losers Take the Bus 3:07
- 2 The Day I Lost Everything 4:16
- 3 Wilderness on Time 3:15
- 4 You Won't Get Me Home 3:01
- 5 13th Century Boy 4:00
- 6 Bishop of Babel 2:53
- 7 Valley of the Dead Cars 3:19
- 8 Big Madness / Monday Club Carol 4:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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