Hormoaning cover

Hormoaning

Nirvana · 1992

18 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, energetic blend of punk and grunge that captures the chaotic spirit of early '90s alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Aneurysm Start here — This track exemplifies Nirvana's intense energy and chaotic sound, featuring dynamic shifts that keep listeners engaged throughout. Its aggressive instrumentation and haunting lyrics reflect the band's emotional depth and raw power.
  • →
    Molly’s Lips — A cover of a Vaselines song, this track highlights Kurt Cobain's knack for blending catchy melodies with darker themes. Its brevity and punchy delivery epitomize the band's ability to capture complex emotions in compact form.
  • →
    Even in His Youth — This song showcases the band's exploration of youth angst and disillusionment with its poignant lyrics and driving rhythm. It stands out as a testament to their lyrical craftsmanship amidst the frenetic energy of Hormoaning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Hormoaning captures Nirvana's raw energy and punk influences while maintaining strong melodic hooks.

What we noticed

  • The EP opens with a fast-paced track, 'Turnaround', immediately establishing a raw energy that persists throughout.
  • Each song features a prominent guitar riff, often accompanied by dynamic shifts in intensity, especially between verses and choruses.
  • The final two tracks, 'Even in His Youth' and 'Molly’s Lips', maintain a similar tempo but introduce more melodic elements, creating a slight contrast to the preceding aggression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • concise bursts of raw energy
  • for a quick listen
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs
  • front-loaded excitement and intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek polished, studio perfection

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — This EP showcases Nirvana's sound post-Nevermind, appealing to dedicated fans.
Themes
punk reinterpretation· raw live energy· early '90s angst
Career context
Released on February 5, 1992, Hormoaning is Nirvana's first release after their landmark album Nevermind, which catapulted them to global fame. At this point, the band was navigating newfound success while exploring their roots through a collection of covers and previously unreleased tracks.
Stylistic neighbors
Soundgarden· Alice in Chains· Pearl Jam

Tracklist

  • 1 Turnaround 2:21
  • 2 Aneurysm Start here 4:49
  • 3 D‐7 3:48
  • 4 Son of a Gun 2:50
  • 5 Even in His Youth 3:07
  • 6 Molly’s Lips 1:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata