What makes Solid Brass by Circus Lupus notable?

Solid Brass received significant attention in underground circles for its innovative approach to punk rock, blending hardcore intensity with artful lyricism. The album was praised by publications like Spin and contributed to the band’s growing influence on the post-punk and indie rock scenes of the early '90s. Released in 1993, Solid Brass is Circus Lupus’s first album after their critically acclaimed EP, which set the stage for their unique sound. At this point, the band was building its reputation within the post-hardcore scene, showcasing a distinct shift towards more intricate arrangements and lyrical depth compared to their earlier work.

How many songs are on Solid Brass?

Solid Brass has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Solid Brass

Circus Lupus · 1993

43 min · 12 tracks · punk rock

A blistering blend of raw punk energy and sharp, sardonic lyrics that challenge societal norms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Right Turn Clyde — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic pace and biting commentary on personal and societal disillusionment.
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I Always Thought You Were An Asshole — The track showcases Circus Lupus's trademark sarcasm, delivering an incisive critique of relationships wrapped in catchy punk hooks.
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New Cop Car — This song blends humor and social critique, reflecting the band's ability to tackle serious themes while maintaining a playful edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Foothills

Higher than 35% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with clever lyrics, showcasing a unique sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining this intensity through the first six songs.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Texas Minute,' which slows down significantly before returning to a faster pace.
The lyrics are delivered in a conversational style, often blending humor with sharp critiques of societal norms, particularly evident in 'I Always Thought You Were An Asshole.'
The final track, 'Pressure Point,' features a gradual build-up that culminates in an explosive conclusion, contrasting with the earlier tracks.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Always Thought You Were An Asshole

A sudden shift in perspective where the singer confronts an antagonist directly, revealing underlying tensions through sharp wit.

This direct confrontation contrasts with the rest of the album's narrative style, adding a layer of immediacy and personal stake.

Tracklist

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

1 Right Turn Clyde 4:11
2 7x4x1 2:33
3 I Always Thought You Were An Asshole 3:41
4 And You Won 2:47
5 New Cop Car 5:06
6 Texas Minute 4:05
7 Deviant Gesture Catalog 3:50
8 Takes About An Hour Epilepsy 3:52
9 Pop Man 3:29
10 Heathen 2:31
11 Pop Man 3:28
12 Pressure Point 4:21

What to play next

Go back to

Super Genius

1992

Full Circus Lupus discography Artists like Circus Lupus

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata