Top tracks — play these first
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State of Shock Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its relentless energy and intricate rhythms, establishing a blueprint for the album's chaotic yet cohesive sound.
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King Commie — This track stands out for its politically charged lyrics and dynamic shifts in tempo, encapsulating the band's critique of authoritarianism while showcasing their musical versatility.
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Fire and Ice — Closing the album, this track combines haunting melodies with sharp dissonance, leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved tension that mirrors the album's themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative structures and eclectic instrumentation mark it as a notable entry in art rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rapid tempo and layered guitar riffs that create a chaotic atmosphere, maintaining this intensity through the first half.
- The use of non-traditional instruments, such as flutes and percussive elements, adds to the experimental nature of the sound throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamic flow
- frenetic energy throughout
- intricate rhythms to explore
- peaks of chaotic excitement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album showcases a deliberate departure into avant-garde rock, influencing future genres.
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Scrabbling at the Lock was The Ex's fifth studio album and marked their continued evolution as a band deeply rooted in art rock. Following their acclaimed album, 1989's Mecca, this release further solidified their reputation for boundary-pushing sound while exploring themes of political discontent and abstract storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero
Tracklist
- 1 State of Shock Start here 6:05
- 2 Hidegen Fújnak a Szelek 3:17
- 3 King Commie 3:28
- 4 Crusoe 3:29
- 5 The Flute’s Tale 4:02
- 6 A Door 5:05
- 7 Propadada 4:19
- 8 Batium 3:52
- 9 Total Preparation 6:19
- 10 1993 2:26
- 11 Fire and Ice 6:05
- 12 Sukaina 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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