Summary:The fifth full-length release for the Long Island rock band was a surprise digital release and was produced by Mike Sapone. A physical release is expected in October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.…Collapse
Seething with anxiety and frontman Jesse Lacey’s trademark sarcastic self‑flagellation, and with a gorgeous production that gives the musicSeething 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.…Expand
I stumbled upon this album a little late but really fell in love with it. Most bands lose "it" as they age, but in Brand New's case, I feelI stumbled upon this album a little late but really fell in love with it. Most bands lose "it" as they age, but in Brand New's case, I feel the opposite. They grew as musicians and pieced together a phenomenal album.…Expand
Fair warning: this could best be described as a Brand New album for Brand New fans. I'm not saying you won't enjoy it if you come into it withFair warning: this could best be described as a Brand New album for Brand New fans. I'm not saying you won't enjoy it if you come into it with no experience, or a passing notion of who Brand New are - quite the opposite even, the album can (and does, make no mistake) stand well enough to be enjoyed by anyone, I'd say - but if you're new to the band, if you've listened to Science Fiction and you've thought "it's good, but I don't think I fully get it", here's my suggestion. Go back and discover their prior discography, ignore Science Fiction, immerse yourself in it. YFW, DE, D&G, Daisy, the FOYD demos, maybe even check out a few live bootlegs. And after a while, give yourself a week or two maybe, as long as you need really, come back to this album. You may have enjoyed it before but after all that, you'll see what I mean.…Expand
This may not be Brand New's best album but it's pretty damn close. If they have indeed called it a music career than they have left on anThis may not be Brand New's best album but it's pretty damn close. If they have indeed called it a music career than they have left on an incredibly high note. Those who love Brand New will like it, those who are cursory fans will find it very listenable as a stand alone rock record. They have expanded on what made them a cut above their peers with smart oozing songs and mix just enough fun early stuff, all while becoming smarter lyrically. The expectation from Brand New fans was high, and somehow they managed to exceed them.…Expand
After 8 years in the making, expectations could be sky high, but having a surprise release balanced this out. Yet, they manage to exceed allAfter 8 years in the making, expectations could be sky high, but having a surprise release balanced this out. Yet, they manage to exceed all preconceived notions of what Brand New could do on their final album. It feels like a collage of everything they have done before, referencing previous material, and musical leanings reminiscent of their other albums. But newcomers can enjoy an amazing album, thanks to the production. I remember once reading that Jesse's favorite album was Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, a seminal incredible album. Now I see that influence on this album, not necessarily stylistically or musically, but on the level of craftsmanship.
This is an album for fans and people who appreciate good music and aren't afraid of a few left turns along the way.…Expand
Brand New at their most boring and uninspired. Brand New has lost what made me fall in love with it. Not to say the age of the group and it'sBrand New at their most boring and uninspired. Brand New has lost what made me fall in love with it. Not to say the age of the group and it's maturity has anything to do with that. Brand New tried, and failed to create another compelling concept album in the vein of the Devil and God. Here, it's more rehashed bad ideas and dare I say that I prefer the EP's to this…Expand
