What makes Dutch Courage by Poison Idea notable?

'Dutch Courage' is notable for its critical reception within the punk community, with tracks like 'Feel the Darkness' often cited as classics of the genre. The album has influenced numerous hardcore bands and remains a touchstone for discussions around punk's evolution during the late '80s. Released in 1989, 'Dutch Courage' was Poison Idea's third studio album, following the influential 'Feel the Darkness'. At this point, the band had established themselves as a key player in the hardcore punk scene, known for their intense sound and provocative lyrics, which helped solidify their reputation among underground audiences.

How many songs are on Dutch Courage?

Dutch Courage has 19 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Dutch Courage

Poison Idea

49 min · 19 tracks · hardcore punk

Raucous hardcore punk anthems collide with raw, unfiltered aggression and a streak of dark humor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Feel the Darkness — This track epitomizes the raw energy of the album, combining aggressive guitar riffs with introspective lyrics about despair and addiction.
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Plastic Bomb — Opening with a relentless tempo, this song encapsulates the band's signature blend of political commentary and personal angst, resonating strongly within the hardcore scene.
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Cop an Attitude — This anthem reflects a rebellious spirit against societal norms, showcasing Poison Idea's knack for combining catchy hooks with incisive lyrics that challenge authority.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with aggressive energy and dark humor, characteristic of its hardcore punk roots.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a relentless pace with no track dropping below fast tempo, creating an aggressive atmosphere.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, such as 'Painkiller' leading directly into 'Hangover Heartattack', enhancing the chaotic feel.
The lyrics often employ dark humor and social commentary, which is evident in tracks like 'Cop an Attitude' and 'Feel the Darkness'.
The last three tracks slow down slightly, allowing for a brief moment of reflection before the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Feel the Darkness

The bridge introduces a stark shift in tone, revealing vulnerabilities amidst chaotic imagery of addiction and despair.

This contrast deepens the emotional impact, as it juxtaposes moments of clarity against overwhelming darkness, highlighting a struggle that defines much of the album.

Tracklist

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

1 Plastic Bomb 3:06
2 Just to Get Away 2:37
3 Getting the Fear 2:54
4 Painkiller 1:48
5 Hangover Heartattack 2:47
6 Time to Go 2:01
7 Cop an Attitude 2:17
8 Feel the Darkness 5:21
9 Give It Up 0:34
10 Taken by Surprise 3:06
11 A.A. 1:33
12 Alan's on Fire 3:53
13 Marked for Life 2:31
14 We Got It 2:38
15 Kick Out 5:25
16 Short Fuse 1:56
17 A.A. 1:26
18 Give It Up 0:42
19 The Badge 3:19

What to play next

Listen next

Kings of Punk

1986

Full Poison Idea discography Artists like Poison Idea

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata