Strange Brotherhood
New Model Army · 1998
57 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A brooding exploration of human emotions wrapped in atmospheric guitar work and poignant, reflective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wonderful Way to Go — Opening with an expansive soundscape, this track sets the contemplative tone of the album while exploring themes of mortality and choice.
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Whites of Their Eyes — This track stands out for its driving rhythm and urgent vocals, addressing social and political issues with a raw intensity that resonates throughout the album.
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Queen of My Heart — A poignant ballad that juxtaposes vulnerability against a backdrop of lush instrumentation, highlighting the band's ability to blend emotional depth with musicality.
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Killing — Delivering a powerful commentary on violence and conflict, this track encapsulates the band's signature blend of lyrical poignancy and hard-hitting sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and atmospheric arrangements but lacks some cohesion in pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Wonderful Way to Go', establishing a mid-tempo pace that persists through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Gigabyte Wars' and 'Killing' feature layered guitar work that builds tension, while 'Lullaby' closes the record with a stark, minimal arrangement.
- Several songs employ shifting dynamics, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, creating an emotional ebb and flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- poignant lyrics for introspective listening
- atmospheric soundscapes for solitude
- consistent flow for focused sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Acclaimed for introspective songwriting and complex arrangements, marking a high point in their catalog.
- Career context
- By the time 'Strange Brotherhood' was released in 1998, New Model Army had established themselves as a significant force in the post-punk scene, following their acclaimed album 'The Ghost of Cain' from 1986. This album marked their return after a brief hiatus and showcased a more mature sound that reflected both personal and societal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Cult· Killing Joke· The Sisters of Mercy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wonderful Way to Go 5:43
- 2 Whites of Their Eyes 4:41
- 3 Aimless Desire 5:06
- 4 Over the Wire 3:28
- 5 Queen of My Heart 4:15
- 6 Gigabyte Wars 4:14
- 7 Killing 5:43
- 8 No Pain 4:56
- 9 Headlights 5:34
- 10 Big Blue 4:47
- 11 Long Goodbye 2:56
- 12 Lullaby 5:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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