Ultrapop
The Armed · 2021
38 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk
A chaotic fusion of hardcore punk energy with pop sensibilities, enveloped in intricate layers of sound and relentless rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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ULTRAPOP — The title track exemplifies the album's juxtaposition of abrasive instrumentation with catchy melodies, setting the tone for this genre-defying work.
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ALL FUTURES — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, encapsulating the album's exploration of optimism amidst chaos.
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MASUNAGA VAPORS — With its unexpected shifts in tempo and mood, this song showcases the band's avant-garde tendencies and willingness to challenge conventional song structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ultrapop combines chaotic energy with pop elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in its genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and dynamic shifts, creating a sense of unpredictability throughout.
- The final track features an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, contrasting with the album's earlier intensity.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- short bursts of chaotic energy
- relentless rhythms for intense focus
- engaging layers for headphone exploration
- anthemic moments for group enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, calm backgrounds
- seek lengthy, drawn-out compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- At the time of Ultrapop's release in April 2021, The Armed was building on their reputation as innovators within the hardcore punk scene, following their well-received album, Only Love, released in 2018. This marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing a shift towards a more experimental and accessible approach while maintaining their aggressive roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Converge· Botch· Every Time I Die
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ULTRAPOP 2:43
- 2 ALL FUTURES 3:04
- 3 MASUNAGA VAPORS 2:30
- 4 A LIFE SO WONDERFUL 3:07
- 5 AN ITERATION 2:53
- 6 BIG SHELL 3:17
- 7 AVERAGE DEATH 4:31
- 8 FAITH IN MEDICATION 3:46
- 9 WHERE MAN KNOWS WANT 2:56
- 10 REAL FOLK BLUES 3:38
- 11 BAD SELECTION 3:44
- 12 THE MUSIC BECOMES A SKULL 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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