Killjoy cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Killjoy

Fox Stevenson · 2019

49 min · 14 tracks · drum and bass

Energetic drum and bass rhythms collide with emotive vocals, creating a vibrant mix of danceable beats and introspective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Killjoy — This track encapsulates the album's theme of grappling with inner struggles while maintaining an upbeat energy, making it both danceable and introspective.
  • →
    Out My Head — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with infectious beats and catchy melodies that highlight Stevenson's pop sensibility within a drum and bass framework.
  • →
    California — With its laid-back vibe and reflective lyrics about longing for escape, this track showcases Stevenson's versatility and lyrical depth amidst energetic production.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic beats with emotive vocals, showcasing solid production and engaging songwriting.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of energetic drum and bass rhythms, with each track maintaining a high tempo that encourages movement.
  • Vocals are layered with harmonies and often switch between emotive delivery and upbeat hooks, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate breakdowns that shift to quieter sections before building back up to intense drops, enhancing the danceability.
  • The last three tracks slow down slightly in tempo, providing a moment of reflection before concluding the album.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • introspective late-night vibes
  • vibrant, melodic immersion

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 18, 2019, 'Killjoy' is Fox Stevenson’s third studio album, following his 2017 release 'Zodiac'. At this point in his career, Stevenson was solidifying his style within the drum and bass genre while expanding his reach with more personal themes in his songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Pegboard Nerds· Sub Focus· Dimension

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dreamland

    The bridge shifts to a more vulnerable tone as it reveals doubts about reality while surrounded by euphoric sounds.

    This moment contrasts the euphoria of the music with a deep internal conflict, illustrating Stevenson's knack for blending uplifting soundscapes with poignant introspection.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Out My Head 3:45
  • 2 Killjoy 2:46
  • 3 Broken Man 3:06
  • 4 Okay 2:50
  • 5 Cavalier 3:00
  • 6 Dreamland 4:01
  • 7 California 4:00

Disc 2

  • 1 Go Like 3:54
  • 2 Use Me 3:33
  • 3 Hold Steady 3:07
  • 4 All Night 3:35
  • 5 Perfect Lie 3:41
  • 6 Headlights 4:44
  • 7 Dynamite 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata