The Horrible Truth About Burma
Mission of Burma · 1985
52 min · 14 tracks · punk rock
Angular guitar riffs and dissonant melodies intertwine with urgent vocals, embodying the raw energy of post-punk.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
That's When I Reach for My Revolver — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend melodic hooks with politically charged lyrics, making it a defining moment on the album.
-
→
Peking Spring — With its complex structures and layered instrumentation, this song captures the essence of Mission of Burma's unique sound and artistic vision.
-
→
Heart of Darkness — This expansive track showcases the band's experimental side, with its atmospheric build-up and haunting themes, marking a highlight on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and unique sound, maintaining energy while exploring dissonance.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features angular guitar riffs and urgent vocals, setting a fast pace that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks incorporate dissonant melodies, particularly in the guitar work, creating an unsettling yet engaging atmosphere.
- The sequencing includes a notable shift in tempo and intensity around the midpoint, with tracks like 'Dirt' providing a moment of reflection before ramping back up.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- wave-like pacing experience
- immersive listening sessions
- challenging song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1985, The Horrible Truth About Burma was Mission of Burma's second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut Vs. The band was navigating a transition from underground acclaim to broader recognition, while also dealing with internal tensions that would lead to their eventual breakup shortly after this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· Sonic Youth· The Fall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 That's When I Reach for My Revolver 3:38
- 2 Tremelo 4:08
- 3 Dumbells 2:07
- 4 Peking Spring 3:41
- 5 1970 3:35
- 6 Learn How 3:32
- 7 New Disco 3:25
- 8 Dirt 3:28
- 9 Red 3:48
- 10 Heart of Darkness 8:53
- 11 Trem Two 4:30
- 12 Blackboard 3:07
- 13 He Is, She Is 2:43
- 14 Go Fun Burn Man 1:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.