Top tracks — play these first
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The Martyr — This track encapsulates the album's themes of sacrifice and disillusionment through its vivid imagery and passionate delivery, making it a standout example of Cursive's lyrical prowess.
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A Red So Deep — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this song delves into the complexities of love and regret, showcasing the band's ability to blend emotional weight with musical innovation.
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The Game of Who Needs Who the Worst — This track employs sharp wit and a conversational tone to explore themes of dependency and emotional turmoil, highlighting Cursive's unique approach to punk rock storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate songwriting and dynamic shifts create a compelling narrative experience.
What we noticed
- Lyrical storytelling is prominent, with verses that frequently build to emotional crescendos before dropping into quieter sections.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'The Martyr,' which transitions from a fast-paced opening to a slower, reflective middle section.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 emotional exploration
- poignant narratives of relationships
- raw emotional turmoil and reflection
- focused listening on personal stories
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Cursive's presence in the punk rock scene.
- Career context
- Released on June 20, 2000, 'Domestica' marked Cursive's second studio album and solidified their presence in the punk rock scene following their debut, 'Such Blinding Stars for Starving Eyes.' At this point, the band was transitioning from an underground following to broader recognition within the indie and emo movements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Appleseed Cast· Bright Eyes· Taking Back Sunday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Casualty 3:30
- 2 The Martyr 3:57
- 3 Shallow Means, Deep Ends 3:36
- 4 Making Friends and Acquaintances 2:58
- 5 A Red So Deep 4:40
- 6 The Lament of Pretty Baby 3:15
- 7 The Game of Who Needs Who the Worst 3:34
- 8 The Radiator Hums 3:24
- 9 The Night I Lost the Will to Fight 3:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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