Gurney and the Burning Books
Filter · 2013
45 min · 12 tracks · industrial rock
A gritty blend of industrial rock and melodic hooks, laced with existential angst and reflective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Do You Say — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of emotional vulnerability, combining catchy melodies with cutting lyrics that question personal authenticity.
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We Hate It When You Get What You Want Start here — Opening the album with a high-energy critique of entitlement, this song sets an aggressive tone that resonates throughout the record.
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Take That Knife Out of My Back — This track reveals a raw confrontation with betrayal and pain, showcasing Patrick's ability to weave personal narrative into compelling rock music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends industrial rock with melodic elements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features driving rhythms and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective tracks.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that contrast with the gritty instrumentation, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 reflective flow
- edgy introspection for deep thoughts
- contemplative energy for focused moments
- solid tracks for playlist integration
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in Filter's catalog but lacks mainstream recognition.
- Themes
- personal betrayal· entitlement critique
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Gurney and the Burning Books is Filter's sixth studio album, following the band's commercial resurgence with their previous release, The Trouble with Angels. At this point in their career, Filter was navigating a shift in their musical direction while maintaining their signature sound. This album marks an exploration of more personal themes, showcasing a mature evolution in lead vocalist Richard Patrick's songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nine Inch Nails· Ministry· Stabbing Westward
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What Do You Say
A pivotal moment occurs when the perspective shifts from questioning to direct address, creating a sense of urgency and intimacy.
This structural choice amplifies the emotional stakes by transforming abstract reflection into a confrontational dialogue.
Tracklist
- 1 We Hate It When You Get What You Want Start here 3:48
- 2 What Do You Say 3:48
- 3 Surprise 4:19
- 4 Watch the Sun Come Out Tonight 4:05
- 5 It’s Got to Be Right Now 3:19
- 6 This Finger’s for You 3:52
- 7 Self Inflicted 3:18
- 8 First You Break It 3:36
- 9 Burn It 4:21
- 10 Take That Knife Out of My Back 3:41
- 11 It’s My Time 3:25
- 12 It’s Just You 4:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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