Lifestyle cover

Lifestyle

Silkworm · 2000

37 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A gritty blend of angular guitar riffs and sharp, sardonic lyrics capturing the essence of early 2000s indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Slave Wages — This track exemplifies the band's biting wit and commentary on labor and societal expectations, pairing brisk rhythms with incisive lyrics.
  • →
    Contempt — Opening the album, this song sets a tone of disillusionment with its driving tempo and sharp vocal delivery, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
  • →
    That's Entertainment — A clever take on consumer culture, this track stands out for its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation, reflecting the band's knack for satirical lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases angular riffs and sharp lyrics, reflecting its era while maintaining a unique identity.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected breaks.
  • The lyrics often employ irony and sarcasm, with a focus on social commentary that aligns with the gritty sound of the instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

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

  • short bursts of sharp wit
  • cynical humor with quick pacing
  • energetic anthems for social gatherings
  • gritty soundtracks for urban exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer mellow, slow tempos
  • want lengthy, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2000, Lifestyle was Silkworm's fifth studio album and came during a phase of significant evolution for the band. Following their earlier work with Matador Records, this album marked their continued exploration of complex themes and musical dynamics, showcasing their growth as a leading act in the indie rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Shellac· The Jesus Lizard· Polvo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Contempt 2:49
  • 2 Slave Wages 3:06
  • 3 Treat the New Guy Right 2:43
  • 4 Plain 3:54
  • 5 Roots 2:55
  • 6 Yr Web 3:26
  • 7 That's Entertainment 3:45
  • 8 Raging Bull 1:41
  • 9 Around the Outline 4:00
  • 10 Dead Air 2:17
  • 11 Ooh La La 3:56
  • 12 The Bones 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata