What makes And Such Is Progress by Grade notable?

The album was well-received in underground circles, contributing to Grade's growing reputation as key players in the melodic hardcore genre. It showcased a more mature songwriting approach, leading to increased visibility and influence on subsequent bands within the scene. Released in early 1996, And Such Is Progress was Grade's second album, following their debut album, which had laid the groundwork for their sound. At this point in their career, the band was further refining their blend of melodic hooks and hardcore energy, gaining traction within the Canadian punk scene.

How many songs are on And Such Is Progress?

And Such Is Progress has 13 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

And Such Is Progress

Grade · 1996

59 min · 13 tracks · melodic hardcore

Melodic hardcore bursts with emotional intensity, balancing aggressive instrumentation and introspective lyrics that capture a tumultuous journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Weave — Opening with a visceral energy, this track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic shifts and lyrical introspection about personal struggle.
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Miracle Ear — This song exemplifies Grade's ability to meld catchy melodies with raw emotion, highlighting themes of communication and connection amidst chaos.
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Not Heroic — The closing track encapsulates the album’s overarching narrative by addressing disillusionment with traditional notions of heroism through poignant lyricism and powerful instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album balances aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing Grade's evolving sound in melodic hardcore.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that consistently employ fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and slower sections.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet introspective verses and explosive choruses, enhancing emotional intensity.
The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and introspection, with a focus on vivid imagery that complements the music's emotional weight.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 Weave 4:43
2 Miracle Ear 3:30
3 CFNY 3:22
4 Bedhead 4:20
5 Tearjerk 4:15
6 Hive 4:13
7 Pocket Rocket 2:58
8 And Such Is Progress 5:24
9 Chancre 3:12
10 Not Heroic 3:55
11 Abandon the Need 4:50
12 We’ll Get There, Just Not Yet 4:21
13 Ziggy Stardust 10:14

What to play next

Listen next

Under the Radar

1999

Go back to

Split

1994

Full Grade discography Artists like Grade

melodic hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata