What makes Safety Second, Body Last by The Locust notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to hardcore punk, showcasing complex song structures and unconventional instrumentation. It has been influential in shaping the sound of mathcore and experimental punk, garnering praise from outlets like Pitchfork and contributing to The Locust's status as pioneers within the genre. Released in 2005, Safety Second, Body Last marked The Locust's third studio album, following their influential 2003 release, Plague Soundscapes. This album arrived during a period when the band was solidifying their reputation for experimental noise and intense live performances, capturing their unique fusion of hardcore punk and electronic elements.

How many songs are on Safety Second, Body Last?

Safety Second, Body Last has 2 tracks, running approximately 10 minutes.

Safety Second, Body Last

The Locust · 2005

10 min · 2 tracks · hardcore punk

Frantic blast beats and discordant riffs collide in a chaotic soundscape, embodying the essence of hardcore punk's avant-garde edge.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Armless and Overactive — This track exemplifies the band's frenetic energy with rapid-fire changes in tempo and dynamics, encapsulating the chaotic spirit present throughout the album.
→
Movement Across the Membrane — With its intricate layering of sounds and abrupt shifts, this track highlights The Locust's ability to blend aggression with experimental noise, pushing genre boundaries.
→
Immune System Overtime — This song stands out for its relentless pace and dissonant melodies that create an unsettling atmosphere, reflecting both lyrical themes and musical intent.

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's complex structures and chaotic sound define its unique place in hardcore punk.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks that are divided into multiple sections, each featuring abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics.
Vocals are delivered in a frantic style, often overlapping with the instrumentation, contributing to the overall disorienting effect.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Armless and Overactive / Who's Handling the Population Paste / Invented Organs / New Tongue Sweepstakes / Consenting Abscess 6:12
2 One Decent Leg / Movement Across the Membrane / Oscillating Eyes / Immune System Overtime / Hairy Mouth 3:57

What to play next

Listen next

New Erections

2007

Go back to

Plague Soundscapes

2003

Full The Locust discography Artists like The Locust

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata