What makes Brainbloodvolume by Ned's Atomic Dustbin notable?

The album reached No. 30 on the UK Albums Chart and was noted for its experimentation, which influenced the sound of several contemporaneous alternative bands. Critics praised its sonic diversity, marking it as a significant entry in the band's discography and a reflection of the evolving alternative rock landscape. Brainbloodvolume is Ned's Atomic Dustbin's third studio album, following their breakthrough with 1992's God Fodder. By this time, the band had cemented their unique sound but faced challenges in maintaining commercial momentum after initial success.

How many songs are on Brainbloodvolume?

Brainbloodvolume has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Brainbloodvolume

Ned's Atomic Dustbin · 1995

40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A raw blend of grunge-inflected guitars and melodic hooks that captures the chaotic energy of mid-'90s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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All I Ask of Myself Is That I Hold Together — This opening track sets the tone with its urgent tempo and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the emotional weight that permeates the album.
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Your Only Joke — The song features a catchy chorus contrasted by darker themes in the verses, showcasing the band's ability to merge upbeat melodies with introspective content.
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Traffic — With its dynamic shifts and layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's experimental approach, pushing beyond conventional alt-rock structures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album captures mid-'90s alternative rock energy but struggles with cohesion due to its varied pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered guitar riffs and dual vocals, setting a frenetic tone.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the middle section, which disrupts the flow but adds to the chaotic feel.
The final track is an extended piece that gradually fades out, contrasting sharply with the earlier intensity of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Want It Over

The verses build tension through a relentless repetition of self-doubt and frustration before exploding into a cathartic chorus.

This structure emphasizes the emotional turmoil by contrasting quiet contemplation with an explosive release, mirroring the internal conflict expressed throughout the album.

Tracklist

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

1 All I Ask of Myself Is That I Hold Together 4:17
2 Floote 2:51
3 Premonition 4:03
4 Talk Me Down 3:31
5 Borehole 3:25
6 Your Only Joke 3:18
7 Stuck 3:40
8 ...To Be Right 3:35
9 I Want It Over 3:58
10 Traffic 3:30
11 Song Eleven Could Take Forever 4:00

What to play next

Go back to

Are You Normal?

1992

Full Ned's Atomic Dustbin discography Artists like Ned's Atomic Dustbin

alternative rock

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