Watch Out! cover

Watch Out!

Alexisonfire · 2004

43 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk

Explosive melodies intertwine with raw screams, creating a visceral soundscape that encapsulates the intensity of early 2000s post-hardcore.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Control — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its blend of melodic hooks and intense screams, capturing the emotional turmoil that defines the album.
  • →
    It Was Fear of Myself That Made Me Odd — The introspective lyrics combined with dynamic shifts in tempo highlight the band's ability to merge vulnerability with aggression, making it a standout track.
  • →
    Get Fighted — A high-energy anthem that showcases the band's punk roots, this track is a rallying cry for rebellion and camaraderie among listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing aggression with melody while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, maintaining intensity through the first half before introducing more melodic elements in the latter tracks.
  • Vocals alternate between harsh screams and clean singing, often within the same song, creating dynamic contrasts that engage the listener.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive riffs to quieter sections, which adds to the overall unpredictability of the sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • thought-provoking lyrical themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as Alexisonfire's second studio album, Watch Out! came after their self-titled debut in 2002, marking a period of rapid growth and increased recognition. By this point, they were establishing themselves as key players in the Canadian post-hardcore scene while attracting an international audience.
Stylistic neighbors
The Used· Silverstein· Underoath

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Happiness by the Kilowatt

    The narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader societal critique, layering a sense of urgency over its melodic foundation.

    This structural choice creates a contrast between intimate vulnerability and collective frustration, amplifying the song's emotional depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Accidents 4:09
  • 2 Control 3:43
  • 3 It Was Fear of Myself That Made Me Odd 3:54
  • 4 Side Walk When She Walks 4:22
  • 5 “Hey, It’s Your Funeral Mama” 4:22
  • 6 No Transitory 3:16
  • 7 Sharks and Danger 4:38
  • 8 That Girl Possessed 3:26
  • 9 White Devil 3:34
  • 10 Get Fighted 3:05
  • 11 Happiness by the Kilowatt 5:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata