What makes Turn It Up Faggot by Deerhunter notable?

'Turn It Up Faggot' is significant for its bold title and confrontational themes, which sparked discussions about homophobia and artistic expression in music. The album received positive reviews from various publications and helped solidify Deerhunter's reputation as a unique voice within the alternative rock genre during a transformative period in indie music. Released on June 28, 2005, 'Turn It Up Faggot' is Deerhunter's debut album, arriving shortly after frontman Bradford Cox gained attention for his solo project Atlas Sound. At this point in their career, the band was still establishing their identity in the indie rock scene, experimenting with sound and lyrical content that would set the stage for their subsequent works.

Who is Turn It Up Faggot for?

Turn It Up Faggot works well if you're into steady pacing with youthful energy, short bursts of introspective angst and raw sound for candid moments.

How many songs are on Turn It Up Faggot?

Turn It Up Faggot has 9 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Turn It Up Faggot

Deerhunter · 2005

30 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A chaotic blend of lo-fi punk energy and introspective melodies that captures the raw essence of early 2000s alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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N. Animals — Opening the album with a frenetic pace, this track encapsulates the band's raw energy while introducing themes of disconnection and urban life.
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Language/Violence — This track stands out for its haunting exploration of communication and aggression, showcasing Deerhunter's ability to blend noise with lyrical depth.
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Death Drag — As the longest track, it serves as an introspective closer that reveals the band's more contemplative side amidst a backdrop of swirling soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album captures early 2000s alternative rock through chaotic energy and introspective melodies, establishing Deerhunter's unique sound.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, often shifting from melodic to dissonant passages without warning.
The use of lo-fi production techniques gives the vocals a raw edge, often buried in the mix alongside distorted guitars and heavy percussion.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with youthful energy
short bursts of introspective angst
raw sound for candid moments
for quick, reflective listens

Maybe skip if you

seekers of polished production
prefer lengthy, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that established Deerhunter's reputation and showcased their unique sound.
Career context: Released on June 28, 2005, 'Turn It Up Faggot' is Deerhunter's debut album, arriving shortly after frontman Bradford Cox gained attention for his solo project Atlas Sound. At this point in their career, the band was still establishing their identity in the indie rock scene, experimenting with sound and lyrical content that would set the stage for their subsequent works.
Stylistic neighbors: Real Estate· Tame Impala· Panda Bear