The Devil You Know
The Coathangers · 2019
31 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
The album combines raw punk energy with sharp melodies, delivering a fierce commentary wrapped in catchy hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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F the NRA — This track stands out for its bold political stance delivered through infectious punk energy, making it an anthem for activism during a time of heightened gun control discussions.
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Bimbo — With its punchy beats and catchy chorus, 'Bimbo' encapsulates the band's playful yet incisive approach to songwriting, addressing themes of female empowerment and societal expectations.
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Stranger Danger — 'Stranger Danger' combines dark humor with a danceable rhythm, showcasing the band's ability to weave serious subjects into engaging music that is both fun and thought-provoking.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong melodies and energetic performances but has uneven pacing in its latter half.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos and aggressive instrumentation, while the second half introduces more melodic elements.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
- The lyrics often blend humor with pointed social commentary, particularly evident in tracks like 'F the NRA'.
- 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
- quick, punchy listening sessions
- consistent short track flow
- steady energetic pacing
- playful yet biting commentary
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Devil You Know marks The Coathangers' fifth studio album, following their 2016 release, Nosebleed Weekend. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation in the garage rock and punk scenes, evolving their sound while maintaining their signature irreverent style. This album showcases their growth as songwriters and musicians, reflecting a more polished production without losing their edgy roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Deerhoof· Sleater-Kinney· The Julie Ruin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bimbo 2:46
- 2 5 Farms 2:31
- 3 Crimson Telephone 3:09
- 4 Hey Buddy 2:56
- 5 Step Back 2:38
- 6 Stranger Danger 2:45
- 7 F the NRA 2:35
- 8 Memories 2:48
- 9 Last Call 3:21
- 10 Stasher 2:16
- 11 Lithium 3:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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