Sound of Impact cover

Sound of Impact

Big Black · 1987

50 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk · post-hardcore

Aggressive noise rock erupts with jagged guitars and confrontational lyrics, embodying the raw energy of late '80s underground music.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like dynamic energy flow
  • short bursts of aggression
  • headphone detail hunting
  • cathartic loud volume release

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer smooth, consistent pacing
  • seek melodic, soothing sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents the culmination of Big Black's sound and thematic exploration in noise rock.
Themes
masculine absurdity· late '80s underground· confrontational relationships
Career context
Released in 1987, 'Sound of Impact' is Big Black's final studio album before disbanding. The band was at a critical juncture, having already established themselves as pioneers in the noise rock genre with their previous releases. This album followed their influential EP 'Headache' and showcased their uncompromising sound and lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Scratch Acid· Killdozer· Dolphin
If this clicks, go next to
Songs About Fucking — Continues the aggressive sound while introducing new themes and dynamics.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
At Action Park by Shellac — Shares the same raw, aggressive energy and confrontational sound of late '80s noise rock.
Goat by The Jesus Lizard — Both albums embody a chaotic intensity with jagged instrumentation and themes of absurdity.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "The Strong".

  • 1 The Strong Start here 3:41
  • 2 Big $ Rush 3:11
  • 3 Elephant Joke? 1:18
  • 4 Kill The Cow 3:35
  • 5 Yanomamo Indians 0:49
  • 6 Bird Thang 2:42
  • 7 Black 'N' White 3:17
  • 8 Black Sab Crack 3:20
  • 9 Way Hap Ya' All 1:44
  • 10 Toytown Daddy Oh! 4:51
  • 11 Firecrackers 0:21
  • 12 Loud Cow 3:04
  • 13 Bird Bag 2:20
  • 14 Gas Jockey Huff 6:13
  • 15 I Think I Fucked Your Girlfriend Once 3:00
  • 16 Hey There Big Truck 3:05
  • 17 People Like That? 1:51
  • 18 Bumbandit 2:20

What to play next

This album is considered a Critical Peak in Big Black's catalog. Represents the culmination of Big Black's sound and thematic exploration in noise rock.

Songs About Fucking
Listen next

Songs About Fucking

1987

Continues the aggressive sound while introducing new themes and dynamics.
Pigpile
Go back to

Pigpile

1987

Sets the stage with a similar raw energy and confrontational style.
Full Big Black discography Artists like Big Black
alternative rock post-hardcore post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata