Brand New Day
Swollen Members · 2014
42 min · 15 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A gritty blend of alternative hip-hop that balances hard-hitting beats with introspective lyricism and sharp storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nemesis — This track opens the album with an aggressive tone, highlighting the group's battle against adversity through powerful lyrics and dynamic flow.
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Brand New Day — The title track encapsulates the album's core message of hope and renewal, employing uplifting imagery alongside a catchy hook that resonates with listeners.
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Blood Sport — With its intense beats and confrontational lyrics, this track showcases Swollen Members' ability to tackle dark themes while maintaining their characteristic energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyrical content and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a dark tone, followed by a series of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, with verses often alternating between the two main rappers, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- punchy tracks for quick listens
- gritty introspection throughout album
- dynamic flows with sharp beats
- late-night drive energy
- short bursts of intense emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, mellow experiences
- seek soothing background music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Brand New Day marked Swollen Members' return after a three-year hiatus following their album Dagger Mouth. This project continued their evolution within the Canadian hip-hop scene, showcasing their signature sound while introducing new thematic elements reflecting personal growth and resilience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dilated Peoples· Jurassic 5· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:20
- 2 Nemesis 1:59
- 3 Blood Sport 2:54
- 4 Cock Blocker 4:20
- 5 Brand New Day 3:41
- 6 Angel of Death 2:22
- 7 Jacques Cousteau 3:21
- 8 Supernova 3:06
- 9 Odd Goblins 3:05
- 10 Park Bench 3:01
- 11 Power 3:20
- 12 Creatures of Evil 2:25
- 13 Jackson Pollock 2:19
- 14 Cold Sweat 3:15
- 15 Still Kill 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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