The Fuse
Pennywise · 2005
42 min · 15 tracks · melodic hardcore
Raucous melodic hardcore riffs intertwine with socially charged lyrics, delivering an anthemic rallying cry against complacency.
Top tracks — play these first
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Knocked Down — This opening track sets a defiant tone, blending energetic riffs with a message about resilience in the face of adversity. Its catchiness encapsulates the band's signature sound while addressing personal struggles.
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Stand Up — An empowering anthem that encourages listeners to take action against injustice, this track exemplifies Pennywise's commitment to social activism through music. Its anthemic chorus makes it a standout in live performances.
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Dying — With its raw emotional energy and introspective lyrics, this track delves deep into themes of mortality and existential reflection. It showcases the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic riffs with socially charged lyrics, maintaining a solid but conventional sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the anthemic quality of the lyrics.
- The album closes with a series of tracks that gradually decrease in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere as it concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- short bursts of raw energy
- cathartic release for frustrations
- socially conscious themes throughout
- for energizing workouts
- quick anthems for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
- seek slow, reflective moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2005, Pennywise was releasing their sixth studio album, The Fuse, amidst a period of lineup changes and evolving sounds. This came after their 2003 album, From the Ashes, which marked a return after a hiatus, setting the stage for The Fuse's exploration of contemporary issues with renewed vigor.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bad Religion· NOFX· Descendents
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Competition Song
The bridge shifts perspectives to critique societal pressures and expectations on youth directly.
This structural choice emphasizes a break from personal narrative to address broader cultural critiques, marking a significant moment in the song's progression.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Knocked Down 2:44
- 2 Yell Out 2:34
- 3 Competition Song 2:41
- 4 Take a Look Around 2:14
- 5 Closer 3:15
- 6 6th Avenue Nightmare 2:39
- 7 The Kids 3:22
- 8 Fox TV 2:36
- 9 Stand Up 3:17
- 10 Dying 2:18
- 11 Disconnect 2:57
- 12 Premeditated Murder 2:40
- 13 Best I Can 2:43
- 14 18 Soldiers 2:38
- 15 Lies 4:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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