What makes Mode. Set. Clear. by Villainy notable?

The album debuted at number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart, solidifying Villainy's status as a leading act in the local alternative rock scene. It received positive reviews for its cohesive sound and lyrical depth, helping to pave the way for future projects and influence other emerging bands in the genre. Mode. Set. Clear. is Villainy's second studio album, released in 2012 after their debut, which had established them within New Zealand's rock scene. By this point, the band was capitalizing on their growing popularity, showcasing a more refined sound that built upon the foundations laid by their first album.

How many songs are on Mode. Set. Clear.?

Mode. Set. Clear. has 11 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Mode. Set. Clear.

Villainy · 2012

49 min · 11 tracks

A dynamic blend of alternative rock and melodic hooks, driven by energetic rhythms and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alligator Skin — This opening track sets the tone with its punchy instrumentation and vivid imagery, encapsulating themes of resilience and self-awareness.
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Mode. Set. Clear. — The title track combines anthemic choruses with introspective verses, showcasing the band's ability to balance energy with emotional depth.
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Paradise Lost — With its haunting melodies and reflective lyrics, this track highlights the band's knack for creating atmosphere while exploring existential themes.
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Deliver Me — A powerful closer that builds toward a climactic finish; it encapsulates the album's overarching narrative of seeking liberation and understanding.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Foothills

Higher than 35% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but remains within familiar alternative rock territory.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered guitar riffs that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
Lyrically, the album explores introspective themes, with verses often leading into anthemic choruses that emphasize emotional resonance.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Alligator Skin 4:01
2 Gather Yourselves 3:53
3 Mode. Set. Clear. 5:17
4 Another Time 5:00
5 The Answer 4:09
6 Paradise Lost 4:05
7 Money Mouth 3:00
8 More Than You Can Do 5:43
9 Monday Night Fright Night 3:50
10 Ammunition 4:47
11 Deliver Me 5:31

What to play next

Listen next

Dead Sight

2015

Full Villainy discography Artists like Villainy

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata