What makes The Locust by The Locust notable?

This album is notable for its influence on the hardcore punk scene, particularly for integrating elements of noise rock and avant-garde aesthetics. It received critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, which praised its innovative approach, contributing to the development of genres that followed, such as mathcore and grindcore. Its chaotic sound and lyrical absurdity have inspired numerous artists seeking to break conventional norms. The Locust marked the band's self-titled debut album, released in 1999 when they were still establishing their presence in the underground music scene. This release came after their early EPs, showcasing their unique blend of punk and experimental noise that would define their sound. At this point, The Locust was solidifying its reputation for pushing musical boundaries in a genre often resistant to change.

How many songs are on The Locust?

The Locust has 15 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

The Locust

The Locust · 1999

12 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk

Frantic bursts of noise collide with absurd lyrics in a chaotic whirlwind of hardcore punk energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brand New Set of Teeth — This track exemplifies the band's frenetic energy with its rapid tempo and biting lyrics, capturing the essence of their chaotic style.
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How to Build a Pessimistic Lie Detector — Clocking in at just over forty seconds, this song showcases the band's ability to convey complex ideas through brief, explosive moments.
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Skin Graft at Seventy‐Five Miles Per Hour — The title itself encapsulates the album's absurdist humor, while the track's intensity highlights the band's signature blend of aggression and wit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's chaotic structure and unique blend of genres create a distinctive sound within hardcore punk.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt transitions between songs, often with no pause, enhancing its chaotic feel.
Lyrics are delivered in a rapid-fire style, often obscured by the dense instrumentation, making them difficult to decipher.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Moth‐Eaten Deer Head 1:12
2 Brand New Set of Teeth 0:37
3 How to Build a Pessimistic Lie Detector 0:41
4 Nice Tranquil Thumb in Mouth 0:46
5 Dog Without a Collar (Run Over Red Rover) 0:29
6 The Perils of Believing in Round Squares 0:55
7 Normal Run of the Muck (Compensation for Conversation) 0:33
8 Stucco Obelisks Labeled as Trees 0:45
9 Straight From the Horses Mouth 1:12
10 An Extra Piece of Dead Meat 0:39
11 Twenty‐Three Full‐Time Cowboys 1:06
12 Backbones of Jack Asses 1:22
13 Fixed Companionship, Ghost Town Irrationality 0:38
14 Skin Graft at Seventy‐Five Miles Per Hour 0:41
15 High‐Maintenance Libido, Bring the Whole Family 0:59

What to play next

Listen next

Plague Soundscapes

2003

Go back to

The Locust

1997

Full The Locust discography Artists like The Locust

hardcore punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata