Desire Pathway cover

Desire Pathway

Screaming Females · 2023

33 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

A vibrant blend of punk energy and melodic introspection, showcasing the band's evolving sound with bold experimentation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Brass Bell — The opening track establishes a rich tapestry of sound with intricate guitar work and a haunting melody that sets the tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Let You Go — This track juxtaposes raw punk energy with introspective lyrics, illustrating the band's ability to capture vulnerability amidst powerful instrumentation.
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    Mourning Dove — With its slower tempo and poignant lyricism, this song highlights the emotional depth of the album, showcasing a different facet of the band's artistry.
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    So Low — The energetic rhythm and catchy hooks make this track a standout, reflecting the band's signature style while also pushing into new thematic territory.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with emotional depth, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Brass Bell', that sets a brisk pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several songs feature dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, particularly 'Mourning Dove' which transitions from quiet introspection to an explosive climax.
  • The lyrics across the album often explore personal themes, with a focus on emotional complexity, particularly evident in 'Let You Go' and 'So Low'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

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
7/10

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

  • quick bursts of energetic melodies
  • introspective moments with vibrant edges
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • spontaneous sing-along potential
  • emotional exploration in concise form

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, drawn-out compositions
  • seek consistent pacing throughout

Where this album fits

Career context
Desire Pathway is Screaming Females' seventh studio album, following their acclaimed 2018 release, All at Once. At this juncture, the band continues to push their creative boundaries while solidifying their place in the punk rock genre, exploring new sonic landscapes and more personal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Mitski· Patti Smith· Deerhoof

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Brass Bell 4:23
  • 2 Desert Train 2:50
  • 3 Let You Go 3:30
  • 4 Beyond the Void 2:57
  • 5 Mourning Dove 3:12
  • 6 It’s All Said and Done 2:22
  • 7 Ornament 3:21
  • 8 So Low 2:33
  • 9 Let Me Into Your Heart 4:43
  • 10 Titan 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata