What makes The Scribbler by Shinjuku Thief notable?

The Scribbler received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to gothic rock, often cited as an influential release in the Australian music scene. The album has garnered a cult following over the years, influencing contemporary artists with its unique blend of narrative lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation. Released in 1992, The Scribbler is Shinjuku Thief's debut album, marking their entry into the gothic rock scene. At this point in their career, the band was exploring deep emotional themes and intricate compositions, setting the stage for their later works. This album established their distinctive sound that would resonate within the genre.

How many songs are on The Scribbler?

The Scribbler has 14 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

The Scribbler

Shinjuku Thief · 1992

54 min · 14 tracks · gothic rock

A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and poetic narratives that draw listeners into a world of introspection and melancholy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stepping From Routine — This track showcases the album's thematic exploration of breaking free from monotony through its dynamic shifts in melody and rhythm, creating a sense of awakening.
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Lips of the Guilty — With its poignant lyrics and haunting arrangement, this song encapsulates the struggle between guilt and desire, highlighting Shinjuku Thief's lyrical depth.
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Degrees of Acquittal — This track stands out for its intricate layering of sounds and reflective lyrics, which delve into themes of redemption and self-judgment, making it emblematic of the album's emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 54% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and atmospheric soundscapes create a distinctive gothic rock experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that sets a haunting tone, followed by a series of tracks that gradually introduce more complex arrangements.
Several tracks feature spoken word elements interspersed with melodic lines, creating a narrative flow that enhances the introspective themes.
The final two tracks are instrumental, providing a stark contrast to the preceding lyrical content and allowing for an emotional resolution.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Assessor 3:37
2 Stepping From Routine 4:26
3 Blue Octavo Notebooks 1:49
4 Threats and Violence 2:56
5 Proceedings 4:05
6 Lips of the Guilty 3:21
7 A Promise and a Lecture 5:04
8 An Awful Autumn 3:10
9 Degrees of Acquittal 5:01
10 The Fabric of Guilt 2:30
11 The Invisible Architect 3:59
12 Paynes Grey 2:34
13 The Parable 5:02
14 Vogelfrei I & II 6:42

What to play next

Listen next

Bloody Tourist

1992

Full Shinjuku Thief discography Artists like Shinjuku Thief

gothic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata