Anarchy and Alchemy cover

Anarchy and Alchemy

Echobelly · 2017

40 min · 10 tracks · Britpop

A dynamic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, merging Britpop's melodic essence with contemporary themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Firefly — This track encapsulates the album's reflective tone, combining lush melodies with poignant lyrics about self-discovery and resilience.
  • →
    Anarchy and Alchemy — The title track delves into the complexities of societal change, showcasing the band's lyrical maturity and sonic evolution.
  • →
    If the Dogs Don't Get You, My Sisters Will — With its compelling narrative and strong vocal delivery, this song highlights the band's ability to weave personal stories into broader social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends Britpop elements with modern themes, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking strong cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a punchy track that sets a brisk tempo, but the pace fluctuates significantly by the fourth track, which slows down to a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar melodies that intertwine with vocal harmonies, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • Lyrically, the songs address contemporary social issues while maintaining a personal and introspective approach, evident in the storytelling style.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • introspective lyrics with jangly guitars
  • short bursts of melodic energy
  • engaging tracks for reflective moments
  • consistent pacing throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, sprawling albums
  • seek heavy production

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2017, Anarchy and Alchemy marks Echobelly's return after a long hiatus, following their previous album, Gravity Pulls. The band aimed to recapture their early 90s sound while addressing modern social issues, reflecting their evolution as artists over time.
Stylistic neighbors
Elastica· Sleeper· Lush

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Hey Hey Hey 3:59
  • 2 Firefly 4:58
  • 3 Anarchy and Alchemy 4:08
  • 4 Reign On 4:08
  • 5 Flesh 'N' Bones 3:53
  • 6 If the Dogs Don't Get You, My Sisters Will 3:41
  • 7 Faces in the Mirror 3:49
  • 8 Molotov 3:43
  • 9 Autumn Angel 3:50
  • 10 Dead Again 3:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata