Released 30 years ago
Ivy and the Big Apples
Spiderbait · 1996
52 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of alternative rock and hardcore punk that embodies the chaotic spirit of the 90s Australian music scene.
Top tracks — play these first
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When Fusion Ruled the Earth — This track showcases the band's ability to merge complex rhythms with catchy melodies, effectively encapsulating their eclectic sound.
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Buy Me a Pony — With its infectious energy and playful lyrics, this song exemplifies Spiderbait's knack for creating engaging, short punk anthems.
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Chest Hair — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its raw intensity and clever wordplay, highlighting the band's distinctive style.
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Driving Up the Ceiling — Spanning over thirteen minutes, this closing track blends various musical influences, showcasing the band's experimental side and ambition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk elements with varied tempos and vocal dynamics, making it distinctive within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, and the first half maintains this intensity with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Calypso', which transitions from frenetic punk to a slower, more melodic section.
- The use of dual vocals creates a dynamic interplay between the lead singer and backing harmonies, particularly evident in tracks like 'Buy Me a Pony'.
- The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the earlier chaos and allowing for a more reflective conclusion.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- short bursts of chaotic energy
- frantic pacing with playful irreverence
- unexpected tempo shifts throughout
- late-night party ignition vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, laid-back tunes
- want lengthy, introspective tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Ivy and the Big Apples was Spiderbait's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the Australian alternative rock landscape, building on the underground success they achieved with their first album.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Should Have Done What My Mum Always Told Me To
The verses shift from personal regret to humorous anecdotes about childhood advice given by a parent.
This transition between humor and reflection reveals a deeper commentary on the clash between youthful rebellion and parental expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chest Hair 3:28
- 2 Hot Water & Milk 1:56
- 3 Buy Me a Pony 1:44
- 4 When Fusion Ruled the Earth 6:20
- 5 Calypso 1:51
- 6 Goin’ Off 1:02
- 7 Don’t Kill Nipper 2:25
- 8 Horschack Army 3:37
- 9 Conjunctivitis 1:25
- 10 Joyce’s Hut 3:41
- 11 Jasper 3:02
- 12 Goosh 1:45
- 13 Should Have Done What My Mum Always Told Me To 3:16
- 14 Hey 1:19
- 15 Hawaiian Nights 2:52
- 16 Driving Up the Ceiling 13:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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