At War with the Silverfish cover

At War with the Silverfish

Laura Jane Grace · 2021

14 min · 7 tracks · punk rock

A raw and urgent collection of punk-infused anthems that blend personal introspection with sharp social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Three of Hearts — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and heartfelt lyrics about navigating relationships and emotional conflict.
  • →
    Long Dark Night — With its introspective lyrics, this track captures a moment of vulnerability, reflecting on personal struggles while maintaining a punchy punk sound.
  • →
    Smug FuckFace — This song combines humor with biting social critique, making it a standout track that exemplifies Grace's sharp wit and punk ethos.

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 EP showcases strong songwriting with personal themes but has uneven pacing and production quality.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving rhythms and aggressive guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo and more reflective lyrics.
  • Several songs feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
  • The lyrics throughout the EP are personal and introspective, often addressing themes of identity and struggle in a direct manner.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
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

  • fragmented bursts of expression
  • quick emotional snapshots
  • raw energy for short sessions
  • introspective moments of resilience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, cohesive albums
  • seek polished production quality

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 22, 2021, 'At War with the Silverfish' is Laura Jane Grace's first solo album since her departure from Against Me! in 2019. This album marks a significant pivot in her career, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and an independent artist focused on personal narratives and societal issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Against Me!· Alkaline Trio· Patti Smith

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Three of Hearts 1:38
  • 2 Lolo 13 2:41
  • 3 Long Dark Night 1:58
  • 4 Electro‐Static Sweep 3:26
  • 5 Day Old Coffee 1:13
  • 6 Smug FuckFace 1:28
  • 7 Yesterday Pt. II 1:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata