Voices of Animals and Men cover

Released 20 years ago

Voices of Animals and Men

Young Knives · 2006

44 min · 14 tracks · indie rock

Bitingly clever lyrics intertwine with jagged guitar riffs and punchy rhythms to create a distinctly British art rock sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Part Timer — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and sharp commentary on the struggles of modern life, showcasing the band's knack for blending catchy melodies with insightful lyrics.
  • →
    Here Comes the Rumour Mill — With its driving beat and layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies Young Knives' ability to craft anthemic choruses while tackling themes of gossip and societal pressure.
  • →
    Loughborough Suicide — This standout track combines dark humor with poignant storytelling, highlighting the band's lyrical depth as it contrasts upbeat melodies with serious subject matter.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features clever lyrics and dynamic shifts, establishing a distinct sound within the indie rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a punchy guitar riff that sets a brisk tempo, which is maintained through the first half of the album.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'In the Pink', which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
  • The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and social commentary, particularly evident in 'Here Comes the Rumour Mill'.
  • The album concludes with a slower tempo on 'Tremblings of Trails', creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with earlier energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo engagement
  • sharp lyrics with infectious melodies
  • weekend afternoon vibes
  • playful irreverence throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2006, Voices of Animals and Men is Young Knives' debut album following a series of well-received EPs. At this point, they were establishing their presence in the UK indie scene, building on their earlier singles that garnered attention for their sharp wit and energetic performances.
Stylistic neighbors
The Futureheads· Bloc Party· Franz Ferdinand

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Part Timer 2:55
  • 2 The Decision 3:24
  • 3 Weekends and Bleak Days (Hot Summer) 2:48
  • 4 In the Pink 3:15
  • 5 Mystic Energy 2:53
  • 6 Here Comes the Rumour Mill 3:41
  • 7 Tailors 4:03
  • 8 Half Timer 1:39
  • 9 She's Attracted To 3:06
  • 10 Dialing Darling 2:59
  • 11 Another Hollow Line 3:42
  • 12 Coastguard 3:01
  • 13 Loughborough Suicide 3:56
  • 14 Tremblings of Trails 3:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata