Top tracks — play these first
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Free to Be or Not to Be You and Me — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its urgent tempo and self-reflective lyrics that question identity and connection.
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Ouroboros — The song delves into cyclical themes of despair and renewal, showcasing the band's lyrical depth amidst a hauntingly melodic backdrop.
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Noble Soldier / Dystopian Lament — As the closing track, it combines anthemic choruses with poignant observations on societal issues, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of urgency and reflection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Vitriola showcases intricate arrangements and emotional depth, making it a compelling listen within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dynamic track that shifts from quiet introspection to explosive choruses, setting a tone of emotional volatility.
- The final track combines spoken word elements with layered instrumentation, culminating in a dramatic and unresolved ending.
- 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
- dynamic flow with emotional peaks
- introspective reflections on personal struggles
- frantic moments followed by calm
- engaged listening for deeper insights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after several years, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Vitriola marked Cursive's first album in nearly seven years since their 2012 album, I Am Gemini. The band returned to the scene amid a resurgence of interest in punk rock, demonstrating both continuity and evolution in their sonic identity with this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Appleseed Cast· Bright Eyes· Taking Back Sunday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Free to Be or Not to Be You and Me 3:26
- 2 Pick Up the Pieces 3:25
- 3 It’s Gonna Hurt 5:32
- 4 Under the Rainbow 3:19
- 5 Remorse 3:24
- 6 Ouroboros 6:00
- 7 Everending 4:11
- 8 Ghost Writer 3:07
- 9 Life Savings 4:40
- 10 Noble Soldier / Dystopian Lament 7:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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