What makes What We Do Is Secret by Germs notable?

What We Do Is Secret is notable for its influence on the punk rock movement, particularly in shaping the sound of West Coast punk. It received critical acclaim from various publications and has been recognized for its raw production and aggressive style, contributing to the band's legacy as pioneers of the genre. Released in 1981, What We Do Is Secret was Germs' debut EP, emerging during the early days of the Los Angeles punk scene. The band, led by charismatic frontman Darby Crash, recorded this project shortly before their disbandment, marking a significant moment in their brief yet impactful career.

Who is What We Do Is Secret for?

What We Do Is Secret works well if you're into frantic bursts of energy, short, punchy anthems and raw, unfiltered emotional release.

How many songs are on What We Do Is Secret?

What We Do Is Secret has 7 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

What We Do Is Secret

Germs · 1981

16 min · 7 tracks · punk rock

Raucous and raw, this EP captures the chaotic spirit of early punk with its frenetic energy and unapologetic attitude.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lexicon Devil — This track epitomizes the band's chaotic style with its relentless pace and incisive lyrics that challenge conformity, making it a staple of punk ethos.
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Round and Round — With its infectious melody juxtaposed against its punk aggression, this song showcases Germs' ability to blend catchy hooks with rebellious themes.
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Caught in My Eye — The track stands out for its introspective lyrics wrapped in a furious sonic assault, illustrating the emotional undercurrents often masked by punk bravado.

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 EP captures early punk's raw energy with aggressive vocals and fast tempos, making it distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

The EP features a consistent mid-tempo pace across its first four tracks, with the final three tracks introducing faster tempos and more chaotic arrangements.
Vocals are delivered in a raw, aggressive style that often overlaps with the instrumentation, creating a sense of urgency and disarray.
Each track is relatively short, averaging around two minutes, which contributes to the overall frenetic energy and keeps the listener engaged.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

frantic bursts of energy
short, punchy anthems
raw, unfiltered emotional release
for quick listens

Maybe skip if you

seekers of lengthy tracks
prefer polished production styles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1981, What We Do Is Secret was Germs' debut EP, emerging during the early days of the Los Angeles punk scene. The band, led by charismatic frontman Darby Crash, recorded this project shortly before their disbandment, marking a significant moment in their brief yet impactful career.
Stylistic neighbors: Black Flag· Dead Kennedys· Minor Threat