Surprise. It’s a brand new Brand New album. With almost no warning, the New York rockers have dropped Science Fiction, their fifth LP and first in eight years. Steering slightly away from the heavier tunes of their past, Science Fiction is a collection of thought-provoking alternative rock with a focus on guitar driven melodies and haunting lyrics. Mix in some creepy old recordings of people discussing psychological treatment and what you have is one hell of an album.
Opener Lit Me Up transitions into a slow build of eerie synth and vocals, all constructing the mood for the remaining 55 minutes of Brand New doing their thing. Waste is a particular highlight, encompassing everything Brand New are so great at into one four-minute package.
This is a classic album in the sense that it’s much, much better when listened to in its entirety. The moods, themes and stories flow from track to track and closing your eyes for an hour to listen to the whole thing is the way to go. Like a skinny soy latte on Brunswick St, it’s best not to ruin this for yourself by deconstructing it.
