Curses cover

Curses

Future of the Left · 2007

37 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and dark humor, fueled by jagged guitars and caustic lyrics that challenge societal norms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Lord Hates a Coward — Opening the album with an explosive critique of cowardice, this track sets the tone for the rest of the record with its relentless energy and biting lyrics.
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    Fuck the Countryside Alliance — This track stands out for its provocative title and pointed commentary on rural politics, embodying the band's penchant for mixing humor with socio-political critique.
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    Manchasm — With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the band's ability to fuse infectious melodies with sharp lyrical content, making it a fan favorite.
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    Suddenly It’s a Folk Song — This track cleverly subverts expectations by contrasting traditional folk elements with the band's chaotic energy, illustrating their experimental approach to genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album combines sharp lyrics with energetic punk influences, creating a distinct sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a frenetic pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more varied tempos.
  • Many tracks feature abrupt transitions and dynamic shifts, often moving from aggressive instrumentation to quieter moments within the same song.
  • The lyrics frequently employ dark humor and social commentary, with a focus on caustic and confrontational themes.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • frenetic energy for high impact
  • dark humor with sharp edges
  • brief bursts of chaotic fun
  • for rebellious moods

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, mellow sounds
  • seek polished mainstream production

Where this album fits

Career context
Curses was Future of the Left's debut album, released after the band's formation in 2007 following the breakup of Mclusky. This album marked their transition from a side project to a fully realized group, showcasing their distinct sound and lyrical wit.
Stylistic neighbors
Mclusky· The Bronx· Refused

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Lord Hates a Coward 3:34
  • 2 Plague of Onces 3:03
  • 3 Fingers Become Thumbs! 1:50
  • 4 Manchasm 3:54
  • 5 Fuck the Countryside Alliance 2:06
  • 6 My Gymnastic Past 2:30
  • 7 Suddenly It’s a Folk Song 2:55
  • 8 Kept by Bees 1:54
  • 9 Small Bones Small Bodies 2:22
  • 10 Wrigley Scott 2:06
  • 11 Real Men Hunt in Packs 3:27
  • 12 Team:Seed 1:19
  • 13 adeadenemyalwayssmellsgood 3:02
  • 14 The Contrarian 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata