New Material cover

New Material

Preoccupations · 2018

36 min · 8 tracks · punk rock

A dense tapestry of post-punk soundscapes, laced with introspective lyrics and a sense of existential urgency.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Espionage — Opening the album, this track sets a tone of paranoia and tension, blending driving rhythms with haunting melodies that encapsulate the band's sonic evolution.
  • →
    Decompose — This track's intricate layering of sound and introspective lyrics exemplifies the band's ability to combine vulnerability with a sense of urgency, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Antidote — With its expansive length and dynamic shifts, 'Antidote' explores themes of despair and hope, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment within their sound while maintaining lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album features complex arrangements and a cohesive sound that reflects its post-punk influences while maintaining distinctiveness.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving bass line in 'Espionage' that sets a tense atmosphere, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
  • Tracks often feature layered instrumentation, creating a dense soundscape that evolves gradually rather than shifting abruptly.
  • Several songs incorporate dissonant chords and unconventional song structures, challenging traditional verse-chorus formats.
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
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Compliance

    The bridge features a shift from abstract imagery to stark directness about societal pressures that demands personal conformity.

    This contrast emphasizes the internal conflict between individuality and external expectations, anchoring the song's critique of modern life.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Espionage 4:28
  • 2 Decompose 4:18
  • 3 Disarray 3:48
  • 4 Manipulation 3:13
  • 5 Antidote 6:01
  • 6 Solace 4:32
  • 7 Doubt 4:39
  • 8 Compliance 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata