National Anthem of Nowhere cover

National Anthem of Nowhere

Apostle of Hustle · 2007

47 min · 12 tracks · art rock

A vibrant tapestry of eclectic sounds blending art rock, folk influences, and intricate lyrical storytelling with a distinctly Canadian perspective.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    National Anthem of Nowhere — This title track encapsulates the album's exploration of identity and belonging, employing rich instrumentation that mirrors the complexity of its themes.
  • →
    My Sword Hand's Anger — Opening the album, this track sets a confrontational tone with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that critique socio-political issues.
  • →
    Cheap Like Sebastien — This song stands out for its catchy melodies and clever wordplay, blending humor with poignant observations about contemporary life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album features inventive arrangements and strong lyrical storytelling, making it distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving rhythm and layered instrumentation that sets a dynamic tone, particularly in the first three tracks.
  • Several songs feature abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Haul Away' to the more introspective 'Cheap Like Sebastien'.
  • The final track, 'NoNoNo', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a sense of unresolved tension.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 "My Sword Hand's Anger" 3:13
  • 2 National Anthem of Nowhere 5:13
  • 3 The Naked & Alone 4:37
  • 4 Haul Away 3:28
  • 5 Cheap Like Sebastien 3:37
  • 6 ¡Rafaga! 3:58
  • 7 Chances Are 3:27
  • 8 A Rent Boy Goes Down 4:07
  • 9 Fast Pony for Victor Jara 3:27
  • 10 Justine, Beckoning 4:55
  • 11 Jimmy Scott Is the Answer 4:02
  • 12 NoNoNo 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata