Travels with Myself and Another
Future of the Left · 2009
32 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A frenetic blend of punk energy and sardonic wit traverses the complexities of modern life with sharp instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
You Need Satan More Than He Needs You — This track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of dependency and irony, showcasing the band's sharp lyrics and energetic instrumentation.
-
→
Arming Eritrea — Opening with a punchy rhythm and incisive commentary on conflict, this track sets the tone for the album's critical lens on contemporary issues.
-
→
Throwing Bricks at Trains — With its catchy hooks and biting satire, this track highlights the band's knack for blending accessibility with thoughtful critique.
-
→
I Am Civil Service — This song captures the essence of disillusionment within bureaucratic systems, reflecting the band's ability to weave personal narratives into broader societal critiques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines sharp lyrics with energetic instrumentation, making it a notable entry in alternative rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- frenetic bursts of energy
- sardonic wit and humor
- quick, punchy tracks
- for short commutes
- chaotic reflections on modernity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer immersive experiences
- seek slow, contemplative sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Travels with Myself and Another serves as Future of the Left's second album, following their debut album, Curses. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their identity after a lineup change, gaining recognition for their unique sound that combined post-punk elements with biting social commentary.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Lapsed Catholics
The final verse shifts from a collective lament about lost faith to an individual reflection on personal struggles with belief.
This transition from 'we' to 'I' underscores the tension between shared experiences and personal introspection, enriching the song's emotional depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Arming Eritrea 2:57
- 2 Chin Music 1:56
- 3 The Hope That House Built 3:41
- 4 Throwing Bricks at Trains 2:36
- 5 I Am Civil Service 2:17
- 6 Land of My Formers 2:47
- 7 You Need Satan More Than He Needs You 2:46
- 8 That Damned Fly 2:07
- 9 Stand by Your Manatee 2:08
- 10 Yin / Post‐Yin 2:54
- 11 Drink Nike 2:33
- 12 Lapsed Catholics 4:15
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.