Phalanx cover

Phalanx

Australian Crawl · 1983

45 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A vibrant mix of surf rock and pop, infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies that define Australian Crawl's signature sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Unpublished Critics — This opening track sets the tone with a driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that critique the music industry, showcasing the band's clever songwriting.
  • →
    Reckless (Don't Be So...) — The energetic chorus and infectious melody make this track a standout, embodying the carefree spirit of youth while also hinting at deeper emotional struggles.
  • →
    Boys Light Up — This hit single is emblematic of Australian Crawl's ability to blend catchy pop hooks with poignant storytelling about adolescence and desire, remaining a staple in their repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacks standout depth.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent surf rock influence, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the melodic hooks, particularly in 'Love Beats Me Up' and 'Reckless (Don't Be So...)'.
  • The arrangement of 'Louie Louie' stands out as it reinterprets the classic song with a distinct Australian rock flair, contrasting with original versions.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Unpublished Critics 5:51
  • 2 The Night 3:50
  • 3 La Califusa 3:01
  • 4 Love Beats Me Up 4:33
  • 5 Things Don't Seem 3:58
  • 6 White Limbo 3:43
  • 7 Louie Louie 5:48
  • 8 Errol 3:32
  • 9 Reckless (Don't Be So...) 5:41
  • 10 Boys Light Up 5:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata