What makes SWAX by Scapegoat Wax notable?

The album received positive reviews for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, contributing to the burgeoning alternative hip-hop scene of the early 2000s. It showcased the band's distinctive style, which influenced other artists in the genre and helped them gain traction on various music charts. SWAX is Scapegoat Wax's second album, following their debut release in 1999. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique blend of hip-hop and rock influences, aiming to expand their audience and artistic reach.

How many songs are on SWAX?

SWAX has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

SWAX

Scapegoat Wax · 2002

48 min · 12 tracks

Dynamic hip-hop rhythms intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a vivid soundscape that captures the essence of early 2000s alternative rap.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Watching the Rain — This track stands out with its reflective lyrics and melodic hooks, encapsulating the album's themes of introspection and emotional vulnerability.
→
Crawlin’ — Featuring a driving beat and catchy chorus, Crawlin’ exemplifies the fusion of hip-hop with rock elements that defines Scapegoat Wax's sound.
→
Bloodsweet — With its darker undertones and intense delivery, Bloodsweet showcases the band's ability to tackle heavier themes while maintaining a compelling musicality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 54% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rhythms with introspective lyrics, showcasing a unique style within early 2000s alternative rap.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, upbeat track that sets a dynamic tone, followed by a gradual shift to more introspective themes in the middle.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, enhancing the interaction between the lead vocals and background elements.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier energy.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Back Alive 2:40
2 Watching the Rain 4:09
3 Lost Cause 3:43
4 Crawlin’ 4:03
5 Freeway 4:32
6 Bloodsweet 3:54
7 Space to Share 4:06
8 Eardrum 3:42
9 Perfect Silence 4:00
10 Aisle 10 (Hello Allison) 3:45
11 Almost Fine 4:55
12 Both My Friends 5:13

What to play next

Go back to

Okeeblow

2001

Full Scapegoat Wax discography Artists like Scapegoat Wax

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata