How to Stop Your Brain in an Accident
Future of the Left · 2013
46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of sharp wit and aggressive instrumentation that captures the chaotic essence of modern disillusionment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Singing of the Bonesaws — This track exemplifies the band's blend of dark humor and explosive instrumentation, encapsulating their critique of societal norms through vivid imagery.
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The Male Gaze — With its sharp lyrics and catchy hooks, this song critiques traditional gender perspectives, showcasing the band’s ability to weave serious themes into engaging music.
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I Don’t Know What You Ketamine (but I Think I Love You) — This track stands out for its playful yet unsettling exploration of relationships, mirroring the album's overall tone of disillusionment paired with humor.
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How to Spot a Record Company — A scathing commentary on the music industry, this track reflects the band's critical stance toward commercialization while maintaining an infectious energy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's sharp wit and aggressive instrumentation create a distinctive sound, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid-fire lyrics and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a frenetic tone.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more reflective moments.
- The lyrics often employ dark humor and social commentary, with multiple tracks featuring repetitive hooks that emphasize their themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- frenetic bursts of sharp wit
- cathartic energy for disillusionment
- quick, punchy tracks for focus
- party-ready anthems with edge
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative sounds
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2013, Future of the Left was solidifying its identity after a lineup change, having released their previous album, 'The Plot Against Common Sense', just a year earlier. This album showcased their evolution as a band willing to push boundaries while maintaining their signature sardonic style.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Male Gaze
The verses shift from observational commentary on societal expectations to a personal reflection on identity, creating a layered narrative.
The movement from broad societal critique to intimate introspection deepens the song's impact, allowing listeners to connect with both personal and collective experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bread, Cheese, Bow and Arrow 3:55
- 2 Johnny Borrell Afterlife 2:18
- 3 Future Child Embarrassment Matrix 3:46
- 4 The Male Gaze 2:33
- 5 Singing of the Bonesaws 4:42
- 6 I Don’t Know What You Ketamine (but I Think I Love You) 2:55
- 7 French Lessons 3:18
- 8 How to Spot a Record Company 4:38
- 9 Donny of the Decks 2:41
- 10 She Gets Passed Around at Parties 2:13
- 11 Something Happened 3:51
- 12 The Real Meaning of Christmas 2:30
- 13 Things to Say to Friendly Policemen 1:42
- 14 Why Aren’t I Going to Hell 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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