What makes Bumper Crop by Volcano Suns notable?

Bumper Crop is notable for its critical reception, garnering attention from influential publications like Spin and Rolling Stone, which recognized it as a significant contribution to the alternative rock genre. The album's unique blend of post-punk influences helped shape the sound of underground music in the late '80s, influencing bands that emerged in the following decade. When Volcano Suns released Bumper Crop in 1987, they were solidifying their status in the alternative rock scene after their debut album, The Bright Orange Years. This sophomore effort followed a period of lineup changes, with founding member Thalia Zedek leaving and the band regrouping to explore a more polished sound while retaining their DIY ethos.

How many songs are on Bumper Crop?

Bumper Crop has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Bumper Crop

Volcano Suns · 1987

42 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic fusion of angular guitars and rhythmic experimentation, channeling the essence of late '80s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Magic Sky — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and jangly instrumentation, showcasing the band's knack for catchy melodies paired with dissonant guitar riffs.
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Time Off — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics and driving rhythm, encapsulating the album's exploration of personal freedom and societal pressures.
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Bumper Crop — The title track embodies the band's experimental spirit, merging chaotic soundscapes with thought-provoking themes that reflect on abundance and excess.

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

Bumper Crop showcases dynamic songwriting and energetic performances, marking it as a notable entry in late '80s alternative rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent use of dissonant guitar riffs layered over driving rhythms, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly noticeable in 'Wellness' where the pace shifts dramatically halfway through.
The album closes with 'Testify', which features a gradual fade-out that contrasts with the more aggressive earlier tracks.

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

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 Magic Sky 2:55
2 Offsprings 3:39
3 The Central 2:55
4 Local Wise Man 3:00
5 Time Off 5:42
6 Wellness 3:29
7 Bumper Crop 4:14
8 Curse of the Name 3:34
9 Lummox 3:58
10 Peal Out 3:05
11 Testify 5:56

What to play next

Listen next

Farced

1988

Go back to

All Night Lotus Party

1986

Full Volcano Suns discography Artists like Volcano Suns

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata