Terrible Human Beings cover

Terrible Human Beings

The Orwells · 2017

38 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A raw, frenetic blend of garage rock and punk energy that captures youthful rebellion and disillusionment.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    They Put a Body in the Bayou — Opening with a punchy rhythm, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of darkness under the surface of everyday life.
  • →
    Vacation — This track combines catchy hooks with sardonic lyrics about escapism, reflecting the band's sharp commentary on modern youth culture.
  • →
    Heavy Head — With its infectious energy and driving beat, this song encapsulates the tension between carefree living and underlying anxiety that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures youthful energy with raw instrumentation and thematic depth, though it may not resonate widely beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high-energy tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and driving drum patterns, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
  • Lyrically, the album explores themes of disillusionment and rebellion, often employing vivid imagery and conversational tones.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • youthful defiance and rebellion
  • short bursts of energy
  • late-night party vibes
  • cathartic release of angst

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive experiences
  • seek polished, refined sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 17, 2017, Terrible Human Beings was The Orwells' third studio album, following their breakthrough with 2014's Disgraceland. At this point in their career, the band had established a reputation for high-energy performances and a gritty sound, yet they faced pressure to evolve while maintaining their identity in the rapidly changing music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
The Vaccines· FIDLAR· Wolf Alice

Tracklist

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

  • 1 They Put a Body in the Bayou 3:08
  • 2 Fry 2:03
  • 3 Creatures 2:30
  • 4 Vacation 2:50
  • 5 Black Francis 2:38
  • 6 M.A.D. 2:59
  • 7 Buddy 1:26
  • 8 Hippie Soldier 3:29
  • 9 Heavy Head 2:54
  • 10 Body Reprise 1:14
  • 11 Ring Pop 2:29
  • 12 Last Call (Go Home) 3:25
  • 13 Double Feature 7:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata