Science Fiction
by Brand New
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2017
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 22, 2017
    100
    Science Fiction is a bold, legend-making statement well worth the eight year wait. If it ends up being their swan song, then we can rest assured that Brand New is going out on their own terms: in peak form, bearing no regrets.
  2. The 405
    Aug 22, 2017
    100
    As an approximation of the band’s legacy and a reckoning with Lacey’s vocation of confessionalism, this record feels made for them. Science Fiction feels like an Event, similar to the releases of To Pimp a Butterfly and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
  3. Consequence
    Aug 22, 2017
    91
    Brand New manage to reinvent themselves while also recapturing the essence of what’s made them so special and enduring.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 14, 2017
    90
    It's one of the rock albums of the year, and if it is the case--as is rumoured--that it's their last, then it's also a perfect swan song.
  6. Spin
    Aug 25, 2017
    90
    A stunning, sprawling sucker-punch of a finale equally amenable to die-hards and newcomers, Science Fiction is a worthy (if bittersweet) send-off to one of the most brutally honest, forward-thinking rock bands of the new millennium.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Aug 24, 2017
    83
    Brand New has put in the work, making a record that erases any doubts about whether the final product would live up to eight years of mystery and hype. And it’s effectively erased its past by making good on every far-flung expectation placed upon it.
  8. Pitchfork
    Aug 23, 2017
    83
    For all of Brand New’s ambitions, it’s hard to recall a popular rock band making an album this crafty, this finely decorated without jettisoning the attributes of rock music.
  9. AllMusic
    Nov 7, 2017
    80
    A lifetime away from the Long Island quartet's emo and pop-punk origins, Science Fiction is a complex and nuanced beast of introspective indie rock and detailed production.
  10. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 4, 2017
    80
    Seething with anxiety and frontman Jesse Lacey’s trademark sarcastic self‑flagellation, and with a gorgeous production that gives the music space to breathe, it’s an emotional, intelligent work of grace and beauty.
  11. Q Magazine
    Sep 27, 2017
    80
    There is much to savour here. If this is a swansong, it's most definitely a worthy one. [Nov 2017, p.104]
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  12. Kerrang!
    Aug 23, 2017
    80
    These are great songs. And this doesn't sound like a band with no road left to walk down. [26 Aug 2017, p.50]
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  13. The Skinny
    Aug 23, 2017
    80
    This is easily the Long Island band's most mature album, in that it acknowledges and improves on many of the band's past misdemeanours.
  14. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Aug 22, 2017
    80
    Science Fiction is one of their most real and most effective pieces of art. Mike Sapone's production was spot on again and the cover of those girls jumping from a balcony more or less sums up what you need to do with this. Close your eyes and jump right in.
  15. Exclaim
    Aug 22, 2017
    70
    Science Fiction is a flawed yet beguiling record that keeps you hooked without offering the emotional payoff that we've come to expect.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Album of 2017
52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2017
54
#54 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 192 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 169 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 192
  3. Negative: 18 out of 192
  1. frienderman
    Aug 22, 2017
    10
    The dark, brooding energy of Brand New's previous three albums is reincarnated into Science Fiction, a work so melancholy and distinct that itThe dark, brooding energy of Brand New's previous three albums is reincarnated into Science Fiction, a work so melancholy and distinct that it transfixes the listener and leaves them breathless. Nearly a decade in the making, this album proves continually to be worth the wait.… Full Review »
  2. twaddle
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    I've only ever been a casual fan of Brand New but this album is brilliant! It is very reminiscent of the mid-'90s post-Grunge movement insteadI've only ever been a casual fan of Brand New but this album is brilliant! It is very reminiscent of the mid-'90s post-Grunge movement instead of the early 00's emo sound of which the band is general known for. All the songs flow very well together. Barring the last few lacklustre tracks ('No Control', 'Batter Up'), 'Science Fiction' may not only be Brand New's best album to date but it may also be the best album of the year.… Full Review »
  3. killerkeem69
    Sep 30, 2017
    10
    Arguably their best album, combines all elements from their past 4 albums and make this masterpiece. Seriously, this album is a grower, but itArguably their best album, combines all elements from their past 4 albums and make this masterpiece. Seriously, this album is a grower, but it exceeded all expectations of mine and blew me away. This is a must listen to if you're a fan of alternative rock, emo, post hardcore, indie rock, etc...… Full Review »
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