Is Polythene a good place to start with Feeder?

Yes, Polythene is recommended as a starting point for new Feeder listeners. A dynamic blend of grunge-infused alternative rock with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that capture youthful angst. Released in January 1997, Polythene was Feeder's debut studio album, arriving after a series of successful EPs. At this point, the band was transitioning from the underground scene into broader recognition, building on their earlier work like the Swim EP. This album laid the groundwork for their evolving sound and future success in the UK music charts.

Who is Polythene for?

Polythene works well if you're into youthful disillusionment themes, for afternoon drives and sing-along energy with friends.

How many songs are on Polythene?

Polythene has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Polythene

Feeder · 1997

46 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A dynamic blend of grunge-infused alternative rock with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that capture youthful angst.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Polythene Girl Start here — This energetic opener encapsulates the album's themes of youthful disillusionment and desire, showcasing the band's signature sound with infectious melodies.
→
Crash — With its driving riffs and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies the tension between angst and melody that defines much of the album.
→
My Perfect Day — This song stands out for its contrasting upbeat sound against darker undertones, effectively balancing optimism with a sense of underlying melancholy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Polythene showcases energetic songwriting with emotional depth but lacks the cohesion of later works.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and energetic drumming, establishing a high tempo that characterizes the album's opening.
Several tracks, such as 'Suffocate' and 'Descend', incorporate dynamic shifts between quiet verses and explosive choruses, enhancing emotional intensity.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

youthful disillusionment themes
for afternoon drives
sing-along energy with friends
raw emotional expressions

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid cohesive album experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album established Feeder's reputation in the UK music scene.
Themes: fleeting happiness· Britpop disillusionment
Moods: Dark· Energetic
Career context: Released in January 1997, Polythene was Feeder's debut studio album, arriving after a series of successful EPs. At this point, the band was transitioning from the underground scene into broader recognition, building on their earlier work like the Swim EP. This album laid the groundwork for their evolving sound and future success in the UK music charts.
Stylistic neighbors: Biffy Clyro· Placebo· Ash