Cleave (Therapy? album)
Therapy? · 2018
32 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A raw blend of alternative metal and noise rock fueled by incisive lyrics and relentless energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wreck It Like Beckett — This track opens the album with a punchy guitar riff and biting lyrics that critique current societal discontent, setting the tone for the record.
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Kakistocracy — The song features a driving rhythm and scathing lyrics that resonate with political frustrations, making it a standout representation of the album's thematic focus.
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Save Me From the Ordinary — With its anthemic chorus and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates the struggle against mediocrity, showcasing the band's ability to balance aggression with melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cleave combines energetic performances with incisive lyrics, maintaining a strong identity while addressing contemporary themes.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down slightly in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability throughout the record.
- Lyrically, the album addresses societal issues directly, with verses that often shift perspectives or employ sharp imagery.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo energizing flow
- raw energy for disillusioned minds
- short bursts of catharsis
- for active reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking extended relaxation
- prefer melodic, soothing sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance after a lengthy career.
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Cleave marks Therapy?'s twelfth studio album, showcasing their resilience and artistic evolution after a lengthy career. Following the somewhat experimental Sounds of Science (2015), this album reaffirms their commitment to heavy sounds while addressing contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helmet· Quicksand· Alice in Chains
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wreck It Like Beckett 3:18
- 2 Kakistocracy 2:58
- 3 Callow 3:02
- 4 Expelled 3:01
- 5 Success? Success Is Survival 3:52
- 6 Save Me From the Ordinary 2:57
- 7 Crutch 3:00
- 8 I Stand Alone 4:08
- 9 Dumbdown 3:00
- 10 No Sunshine 3:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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