The State of Things cover

The State of Things

Reverend and The Makers · 2007

41 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of indie rock and electronic elements, pulsating with sharp social commentary and infectious hooks.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heavyweight Champion of the World — This track stands out for its blend of upbeat instrumentation and biting lyrics that satirize celebrity culture, making it a fan favorite.
  • →
    The Machine — The song encapsulates the album's central themes of societal critique, combining an infectious melody with reflective lyrics on modern life's mechanization.
  • →
    Sundown on the Empire — With its anthemic chorus and poignant commentary on political disillusionment, this track captures the essence of the band's mission to provoke thought through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic indie rock with electronic influences and social commentary, making it engaging yet somewhat conventional.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and upbeat melodies, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through much of the album.
  • Several songs incorporate electronic elements, such as synths and programmed beats, blending them seamlessly with traditional rock instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often present sharp social commentary, with recurring themes of disillusionment and modern life woven throughout the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • mid-tempo sing-along moments
  • sharp lyrical observations throughout
  • steady pacing for commuting
  • vibrant energy for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, The State of Things is Reverend and The Makers' debut album following their formation in 2005. This record arrived during a period of rising popularity for the band, as they sought to establish their unique sound within the UK indie rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Miles Kane· Arctic Monkeys· The Maccabees

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The State of Things 3:01
  • 2 The Machine 3:50
  • 3 Heavyweight Champion of the World 3:25
  • 4 Bandits 2:37
  • 5 Open Your Window 4:03
  • 6 Sex With the Ex 4:06
  • 7 18-30 3:14
  • 8 He Said He Loved Me 2:53
  • 9 What the Milkman Saw 2:56
  • 10 Sundown on the Empire 4:00
  • 11 Miss Brown 3:26
  • 12 Armchair Detective 4:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata