Released 20 years ago
Declare a New State!
The Submarines · 2006
38 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A vibrant tapestry of indie pop melodies layered with introspective lyrics and rich harmonies, embodying a duality of hope and discontent.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vote — This track stands out with its punchy instrumentation and sharp political commentary, reflecting the urgency of civic engagement through an infectious chorus.
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Hope — A poignant exploration of optimism amidst uncertainty, this song captures the essence of the album's emotional landscape with its uplifting melody and relatable lyrics.
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Brighter Discontent — The juxtaposition of bright instrumentation against themes of dissatisfaction creates a compelling tension, representing the band's knack for marrying melancholy with melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines upbeat melodies with darker themes, showcasing solid songwriting and vocal interplay.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a punchy track that sets a mid-tempo pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective themes in the latter tracks.
- Several songs feature call-and-response vocals between the male and female leads, creating a dynamic interplay that enhances the lyrical content.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, utilizing sparse instrumentation to emphasize the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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5/10
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
- steady mid-tempo engagement
- introspective lyrics with warmth
- for reflective afternoons
- inviting sing-along moments
- consistent flow throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- seek standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 14, 2006, 'Declare a New State!' was The Submarines' debut album, arriving after the duo's initial EP and laying the groundwork for their distinctive sound. This album marked their first notable entry into the indie rock scene, showcasing their ability to blend catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrical content.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ra Ra Riot· The Postal Service· The Mamas & the Papas
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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This Conversation
The bridge shifts from a dialogue about uncertainty into a moment of clarity that abruptly redefines the relationship dynamic.
This structural pivot underscores the tension built throughout the song, revealing deeper emotional layers while breaking from conversational patterns established earlier.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Peace and Hate 3:17
- 2 Clouds 3:38
- 3 Vote 4:37
- 4 Brighter Discontent 4:28
- 5 Hope 3:54
- 6 Ready or Not 4:01
- 7 Modern Inventions 2:32
- 8 The Good Night 4:02
- 9 This Conversation 2:48
- 10 Darkest Things 5:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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