Released 20 years ago
The Obliterati
Mission of Burma · 2006
51 min · 14 tracks · punk rock
A raw blend of post-punk energy and intricate melodies, laced with the band's trademark dissonance and lyrical wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Let Yourself Go — This track encapsulates the album's frenetic energy with its driving rhythm and urgent vocals, making it a standout anthem of defiance.
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Man in Decline — Through its sharp commentary and dynamic shifts, this song captures the essence of societal decay while maintaining an infectious melody.
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Nancy Reagan's Head — This track combines biting lyrics with a complex arrangement, reflecting the band’s signature style and offering a poignant critique wrapped in irony.
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 production but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent use of driving guitar riffs paired with urgent drumming, establishing a high-energy opening.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Good, Not Great', which transitions from a fast-paced section to a slower, more reflective one.
- The album includes multiple instances of dissonant chord progressions that create tension, particularly in tracks like 'Man in Decline' and 'Careening With Conviction'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- intricate melodies with dissonant edges
- short tracks for quick engagement
- raw energy that invites movement
- lyrical wit for thoughtful reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished production styles
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on May 23, 2006, The Obliterati marked Mission of Burma's return after a long hiatus following their breakup in 1983. This album came a year after their critically acclaimed comeback record, OnOffOn, reaffirming their place in the punk rock landscape while showcasing their evolution as seasoned musicians.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· Sonic Youth· The Fall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 2wice 3:36
- 2 Spider's Web 3:25
- 3 Donna Sumeria 5:37
- 4 Let Yourself Go 3:30
- 5 1001 Pleasant Dreams 3:49
- 6 Good, Not Great 2:07
- 7 13 4:16
- 8 Man in Decline 3:22
- 9 Careening With Conviction 3:48
- 10 Birthday 3:10
- 11 The Mute Speaks Out 3:23
- 12 Is This Where? 3:35
- 13 Period 3:27
- 14 Nancy Reagan's Head 4:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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