Engine of a Million Plots
Five Iron Frenzy · 2013
41 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
A vibrant blend of ska punk and introspective lyrics, this album captures the essence of Five Iron Frenzy's energetic spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Zen and the Art of Xenophobia — This track cleverly critiques societal fears and prejudices through catchy hooks and witty wordplay, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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Battle Dancing Unicorns (with Glitter) — An upbeat anthem that juxtaposes whimsical imagery with deeper themes of self-acceptance and joy, showcasing the band's playful yet poignant approach.
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I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge — This track stands out for its raw lyrical intensity, channeling frustration into an anthem against complacency while maintaining an infectious rhythm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic ska punk with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Five Iron Frenzy's signature style.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered horn arrangements that complement the guitar riffs, adding to the ska punk sound.
- Lyrically, the album balances introspective themes with playful elements, often shifting between serious and lighthearted tones.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- short bursts of energetic anthems
- cathartic sing-along moments
- playful irreverence with depth
- quick-paced reflections on life
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, soundscapes
- seek heavy, serious themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Engine of a Million Plots marked Five Iron Frenzy's first studio album after a nearly decade-long hiatus since their previous album, All the Hype That Money Can Buy (2003). This return to music showcased their continued evolution in sound while maintaining their signature blend of humor and social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Reel Big Fish· Less Than Jake· The O.C. Supertones
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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So Far
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to a rallying call for action, urging listeners to reject apathy.
This contrast between introspection and urgency emphasizes the band's commitment to inspiring change rather than merely reflecting on hardship.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Against a Sea of Troubles 3:26
- 2 So Far 3:27
- 3 Zen and the Art of Xenophobia 3:14
- 4 We Own the Skies 2:44
- 5 Someone Else's Problem 3:18
- 6 I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge 3:06
- 7 To Start a Fire 3:55
- 8 Battle Dancing Unicorns (with Glitter) 3:43
- 9 Into Your Veins 3:02
- 10 It Was a Dark and Stormy Night 3:27
- 11 I've Seen the Sun 3:02
- 12 Blizzards and Bygones 4:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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