Science Fiction
by Brand New
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2017
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
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  1. 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 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 itI'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.… Expand
  2. 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 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
  3. nIXne
    Aug 23, 2017
    10
    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 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 FictionFair 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
  4. 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 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...
  5. Commonsense
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    Ah, 10 years after Devil and God they have made a worthy sequel. While a few songs I feel could have been enhanced they all seem to have their place on this album and the 1st half is incredibly strong.
  6. aguasalex
    Aug 29, 2017
    10
    I don't give many reviews due to my sheer lack of terminology, but damn this album is impressive. This is an album that revitalizes rock in an era that is desperately lacking that "something". Thankfully, the power, wit and emotion is there. This cohesive piece of work deserves to be recognized and more importantly- dissected. I promise you won't regret it.
  7. Music_Observer
    Sep 12, 2017
    7
    Its main interest point may be the metaphysical ideas and organization behind it that truly inspire contemplation, and it fully achieved success with the consistent, smart, and trance-like timbre, which quizzically left the rather plain melodic shapes to come off as a bit odd and the attempt to sound grounded unique yet disenchanting. My Score: 133/180 (Solid) = 7.4/10
  8. jsleotta
    Aug 23, 2017
    10
    An album well worth the 8 year wait. Hoping this isn't the end, but if it is, Brand new is going out on top. This is the kind of album that was great on the first listen and has only gotten better with each subsequent listen.
  9. Laurmanis
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    Melhor álbum da carreira. Solos bem distribuídos, cada uma demonstrando seu verdadeiro potencial vocal e músicas envolventes. Realmente mostraram que essa nova era será diferente e madura em relação ao estilo das músicas.
  10. 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, 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,Trying 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
  11. 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 it transfixes the listener and leaves them breathless. Nearly a decade in the making, this album proves continually to be worth the wait.
  12. adrianlp5
    Aug 22, 2017
    9
    After 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 anAfter 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
  13. samwich21
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    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.
  14. 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'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
  15. logic
    Aug 26, 2017
    9
    The production and sonics are outstanding. Accessible songwriting. Some great guitar hooks.
    Definitely worth a listen..

    Brood on brothers, brood on...
  16. 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 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 ‘SameThe 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
  17. 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 deep and driven album that not only has musical depth, but also shows off Jesse's mastery of lyricism. An instant classic.
  18. fordmichael20
    Sep 30, 2017
    9
    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 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 enoughThis 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
  19. ST01
    Nov 16, 2017
    10
    I've never written a review on metacritic before, but this album simply caught me off guard. It's the perfect conclusion to Brand New's work, and it feels like the next logical step in 'maturity' after Daisy. It's dark, brooding, melancholic, and introspective all in one. And the way previous songs are referenced throughout makes me feel something a band's honestly never made me feelI've never written a review on metacritic before, but this album simply caught me off guard. It's the perfect conclusion to Brand New's work, and it feels like the next logical step in 'maturity' after Daisy. It's dark, brooding, melancholic, and introspective all in one. And the way previous songs are referenced throughout makes me feel something a band's honestly never made me feel before. I still hope this isn't the end, but if it is, it's the most perfect ending they could've chosen. And so Brand New continues to offer, at least for me, some of the very best and most refined this genre has to offer. So yeah, it's a 20/10 from me.… Expand
  20. jhollis977
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    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 feel the opposite. They grew as musicians and pieced together a phenomenal album.
  21. SKSK
    Jul 22, 2018
    9
    The essence is there, but I felt like the deep lyricism wasn't there all the time as it used to be. The phenomenal work with the guitar ends up compensating everything that isn't there.
  22. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 28, 2021
    7
    a flawed yet beguiling record that keeps you hooked without offering the emotional payoff that we've come to expect
  23. Roo182
    Dec 31, 2018
    8
    Before I dive into the album, I just quickly want to address the elephant in the room named Jesse Lacey. I am more than aware of what he’s done, I don’t condone that manipulation of underage women at all and it and it has made it very hard for me to appreciate Brand New the way I used to. I may never be able to again, but that’s nothing compared to how the women (girls at the time) mustBefore I dive into the album, I just quickly want to address the elephant in the room named Jesse Lacey. I am more than aware of what he’s done, I don’t condone that manipulation of underage women at all and it and it has made it very hard for me to appreciate Brand New the way I used to. I may never be able to again, but that’s nothing compared to how the women (girls at the time) must have felt watching this guy succeed knowing his actions.

    I choose to look at it this way: there’s 3 other people in this band, a bunch of support staff and various studio & live show industry professionals who made Science Fiction work, not to mention the record was blessed by Kevin Divine’s guitar and backing vocals, so for them and also purely in the interest of musical appreciation - I’m going to review this record how I would have before Lacey’s actions were unveiled. If you don’t agree, I understand, don’t read the review.

    Brand New have a legion of dedicated and obsessed fans all drawn to their previous instalments which in most of their eyes, are untouchable at near sacrilegious proportions. For me, their first 3 records are in my all time list, they’ve inspired tattoos on my body, so it’s safe to say that a new record after nearly a decade on the fence would be a big deal. Luckily for them - Science Fiction is a homecoming masterpiece. The opening two tracks, Lit Me Up and Can’t Get It Out are both so immense, I found myself on the verge of tears in how much I missed this band. You can definitely hear the Kevin Divine inspired parts through out with aspects of Bad Books and Manchester Orchestra layered throughout, a touch of Envy on the Coast sounding riffs and drums scattered in there too, but the record is fundamentally Brand New through and through.

    I’d say it’s a perfect blend of Deja Entendu (2003), The Devil & God Are Raging Inside Me (2006) and Daisy (2009) in all the right places, lyrically as cryptic and mysterious as all predecessors. I like almost every track on Science Fiction and I can’t stress just how good as a whole it all comes together. It truly is a shame that the actions of one **** slanders the hard work done by so many, alongside the millions of fans over two decades who are now alienated.

    Best Tracks: Lit Me Up - Can’t Get It Out - 137 - Desert - No Control - 451 - Batter Up
    2017 Listens: 300+    … Expand
  24. AJ44
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    Possibly the greatest modern rock album of sll time, and that's saying a lot as their album The Devil and God are Raging Inside is also a contender of greatest modern rock album. De Ja Entendu is the greatest album of it's genre(indie emo), but there are no words to describe this masterpiece. The craftsmanship of the instruments and the lyricism and song writing are in anotherPossibly the greatest modern rock album of sll time, and that's saying a lot as their album The Devil and God are Raging Inside is also a contender of greatest modern rock album. De Ja Entendu is the greatest album of it's genre(indie emo), but there are no words to describe this masterpiece. The craftsmanship of the instruments and the lyricism and song writing are in another stratosphere. This album embodies everything that makes Brand New great.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »