Methodrone cover

Methodrone

The Brian Jonestown Massacre · 1995

72 min · 15 tracks · psychedelic rock

A swirling tapestry of reverb-drenched guitars and hypnotic rhythms that capture the essence of '90s psychedelic rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Evergreen — This opening track sets a lush sonic landscape with its layered guitar harmonies and melancholic lyrics, encapsulating the album's dreamy vibe.
  • →
    That Girl Suicide — A standout track that combines jangly guitars with introspective lyrics, illustrating the band's ability to merge catchy melodies with darker themes.
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    Hyperventilation — Clocking in at nearly ten minutes, this track exemplifies the band's experimental side, featuring extended instrumental passages that build an immersive atmosphere.
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    I Love You — With its haunting vocals and poignant lyrics, this track captures a raw emotional depth that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album effectively captures the essence of '90s psychedelia with its immersive soundscapes and cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, reverb-heavy track that sets a dreamy tone, followed by a series of mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent atmosphere.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar effects and repetitive rhythms, creating a hypnotic quality that encourages immersive listening.
  • The final track, 'Methodrone', extends over seven minutes, gradually building in intensity before fading out, which emphasizes the album's psychedelic nature.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
8/10

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

  • immersive soundscapes for introspection
  • patient unfolding of emotions
  • late-night reflective journeys
  • vivid sonic landscapes to explore
  • cathartic release through layered sounds

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on August 25, 1995, Methodrone is The Brian Jonestown Massacre's debut album, marking their entry into the music scene. At this point, the band was still relatively unknown, but they were beginning to cultivate a dedicated following within the burgeoning alternative and psychedelic rock landscape of the mid-'90s.
Stylistic neighbors
The Dandy Warhols· Tame Impala· Spiritualized

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Evergreen 3:24
  • 2 Wisdom 5:20
  • 3 Crushed 6:08
  • 4 That Girl Suicide 3:41
  • 5 Wasted 4:21
  • 6 Everyone Says 4:15
  • 7 Short Wave 2:47
  • 8 She Made Me 4:42
  • 9 Hyperventilation 9:52
  • 10 Records 1:50
  • 11 I Love You 4:11
  • 12 End of the Day 5:09
  • 13 Outback 4:07
  • 14 She's Gone 7:18
  • 15 Methodrone 4:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata