What makes Face Down in Turpentine by Baboon notable?

The album garnered critical acclaim for its raw sound and inventive songwriting, helping to solidify Baboon's place in the alternative rock landscape of the '90s. It also received notable airplay on college radio stations, which contributed to the band's growing fanbase and influence on subsequent Texas rock bands. Released in 1994, Face Down in Turpentine was Baboon's debut full-length album after their early EPs established them in the Texas music circuit. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to gain attention beyond their local scene, aiming to carve out a distinct identity within the burgeoning alternative rock movement.

How many songs are on Face Down in Turpentine?

Face Down in Turpentine has 14 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Face Down in Turpentine

Baboon · 1994

46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and melodic undercurrents that captures the chaotic spirit of the early '90s alternative scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tool — This track exemplifies the band's ability to merge aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics, establishing a signature sound that would characterize their work.
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Why'd You Say Die? — The song features a dynamic shift in tempo and mood that highlights Baboon's experimental approach, making it a standout track on the album.
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Sucker — With its catchy hooks and energetic delivery, this track showcases Baboon's knack for combining punk influences with accessible melodies, appealing to a wider audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album captures early '90s alternative rock with energetic compositions and unpredictable structures.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drums, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied dynamics.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of unpredictability that reflects the chaotic energy of the early '90s alternative scene.
The vocal delivery often alternates between shouted and melodic lines, emphasizing emotional intensity and contributing to the frenetic atmosphere.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Master Salvatoris 1:46
2 Tool 4:06
3 Step Away 3:53
4 Good Friend 3:22
5 Happy Life 2:40
6 Positive 4:05
7 Why'd You Say Die? 3:52
8 Emotionless 3:21
9 Thumbhead 1:58
10 Sucker 4:02
11 Kamikaze 1:56
12 Naked in the Mall / California Dreaming 4:01
13 Bright Lights Big Mommy 2:50
14 E 4:34

What to play next

Listen next

Secret Robot Control

1997

Go back to

Sausage

1992

Full Baboon discography Artists like Baboon

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata