Symbolic
Voodoo Glow Skulls · 2000
47 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk
A frenetic blend of ska, punk, and Latin influences charged with aggressive energy and sharp social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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We're Back — Opening with an infectious horn section and driving rhythms, this track sets the tone for the album's vibrant energy and thematic resilience.
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The Devil Made Me Do It — This track combines humor with a critique of personal responsibility, showcasing the band's skill in blending serious themes with catchy hooks.
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El Mas Chingón — This song stands out for its celebration of cultural identity, melding punk aggression with traditional Latin sounds to create a powerful anthem.
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Say Goodnight — With its poignant lyrics about farewell and loss, this track provides an emotional depth that contrasts with the album's more upbeat songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic compositions and distinct genre blending, though it may not deeply resonate over time.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first six songs before a slight dip in tempo.
- The lyrics often employ sharp social commentary, with multiple tracks featuring call-and-response vocal patterns that engage the listener.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- high-energy party ignition
- cathartic sing-along moments
- short tracks with urgency
- brash attitude and fun
- for group listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative music
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2000, Symbolic is Voodoo Glow Skulls' fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record, Firme. By this time, the band was solidifying their unique sound, combining hardcore punk with ska elements, which distinguished them within the Orange County music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Suicide Machines· Less Than Jake· Reel Big Fish
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Devil Made Me Do It
In this track, the narrative shifts from personal anecdotes to broader societal critiques through witty wordplay and rhythmic verses.
The use of humor to address accountability creates a layered conversation that engages listeners beyond surface-level interpretations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 We're Back 3:45
- 2 Say Goodnight 3:03
- 3 The Drop In 3:33
- 4 Musical Therapy 3:32
- 5 Silencer 3:51
- 6 Orlando's Not Here 3:12
- 7 The Devil Made Me Do It 3:36
- 8 El Mas Chingón 3:28
- 9 Last Party 3:36
- 10 Symbolic 4:08
- 11 San Bernardino 3:12
- 12 Casa Blanca 4:03
- 13 Canción de Mala Suerte 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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