Science Fiction
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Science Fiction Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 185 Ratings

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  • 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.
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Top Track

Can't Get It Out
As we glide over whatever We know to be over forever I really hope the shame is less Than what we feel in times of stress But I guess that that's... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  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 of Sound
    Aug 22, 2017
    91
    Brand New manage to reinvent themselves while also recapturing the essence of what’s made them so special and enduring.
  4. 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. sairagnarok
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    Brand New have once again proven themselves to be a staple of the early 21st century musically. From the get go you are greeted with a deepBrand New have once again proven themselves to be a staple of the early 21st century musically. From the get go you are greeted with a deep and driven album that not only has musical depth, but also shows off Jesse's mastery of lyricism. An instant classic.… Expand
  2. 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.… Expand
  4. tomfrode
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    Trying to discover new music earlier this year (2018) I dived into indie albums with a good metacritic score. Found several good albums, thatTrying to discover new music earlier this year (2018) I dived into indie albums with a good metacritic score. Found several good albums, that I have listened to much this year. And of those this album soon became my favourite. On a playlist litening to song at random among those I disovered that my thumbs ups went to many of the songs from this album. So I listened more to just the album, and yeah, it really is giving me lots of good experiences, I really appreciate having it on my stereo, I love this album.… Expand
  5. Seth_07
    Aug 22, 2017
    10
    Brand New last album dissolve all lyrical and instrumentals elements that made this underrated band being in a musical way one of the mostBrand New last album dissolve all lyrical and instrumentals elements that made this underrated band being in a musical way one of the most different groups of all time. Science Fiction talks about the last tought of Lacey thinking back of all way walked since the begining of this. The dark athmosphere, the references to previous releases, everything on this record make this score 10/10… Expand
  6. 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...… Expand
  7. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    9
    The album that got me hooked on one of my favourite bands of all time. While not without its shortcomings, this is a phenomenal note to go outThe album that got me hooked on one of my favourite bands of all time. While not without its shortcomings, this is a phenomenal note to go out on. Some songs sound a bit formulaic, but even they have Brand New’s trademark smart lyricism, and a great, minimalistic sound to them. The album has a few too many interludes, and with the exception of the intro one, and the one at the end of ‘Same Logic/Teeth’, they’re all unnecessary. Not the peak of their sound, but hell, it’s better than what most bands ever achieve.
    Favourites: 137, Can’t Get It Out, 451, Out of Mana
    Least Favourites: Could Never Be Heaven    … Expand
  8. nereed678
    May 23, 2019
    4
    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

See all 22 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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