What makes Splay by Shiner notable?

Splay received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable recognition from influential publications such as Alternative Press and Pitchfork. It is often highlighted for its innovative approach to post-hardcore that influenced subsequent bands within the genre. Released in early 1996, Splay was Shiner's second album, following their debut, Starless. At this point in their career, the band was honing their distinctive sound, marked by intricate arrangements and emotional depth, solidifying their presence in the post-hardcore scene.

How many songs are on Splay?

Splay has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Splay

Shiner · 1996

41 min · 10 tracks · post-hardcore

A blend of angular guitar riffs and introspective lyrics wrapped in a dynamic post-hardcore sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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HeShe — The opening track establishes the album's tone with its driving rhythm and complex guitar interplay, setting up a compelling emotional landscape.
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Bended Knee — This track showcases Shiner's ability to balance intensity with melodic moments, encapsulating the band's signature style and lyrical introspection.
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Martyr — With its haunting verses and explosive chorus, Martyr exemplifies the album’s thematic exploration of vulnerability and conflict, making it a standout moment.
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Frown — Frown features a compelling shift in dynamics, combining eerie melodies with heavy instrumentation that reflects the complexity of the album’s emotional core.

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

Splay showcases intricate arrangements and emotional depth, solidifying Shiner's distinctive sound in post-hardcore.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features complex guitar interplay and shifts in dynamics, setting a tone that persists through the first half.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly noticeable in 'Complaint' where the rhythm shifts dramatically mid-song.
The lyrics often reflect introspective themes, with vocal delivery varying between melodic singing and more aggressive shouting, particularly in 'Martyr'.
The final track, 'Pearle', concludes with a slow fade-out that contrasts sharply with the album's earlier intensity.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Bended Knee

The bridge shifts from a contemplative tone to a more urgent plea for understanding and connection.

This abrupt tonal shift emphasizes the desperation in the narrator's voice, making it one of the album's most impactful moments.

Tracklist

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

1 HeShe 3:00
2 Brooks 2:40
3 Complaint 2:56
4 Bended Knee 4:13
5 Fetch a Switch 6:51
6 Slipknot 3:15
7 Martyr 4:06
8 Released 5:08
9 Frown 5:34
10 Pearle 3:52

What to play next

Listen next

Lula Divinia

1997

Full Shiner discography Artists like Shiner

post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata