Don Broco’s “Technology” Album: A Detailed Review

In 2018, the British rock band dropped their third studio album, marking a bold shift in their music. After a three-year hiatus following “Automatic,” this record blends heavy riffs, synth experimentation, and sharp lyricism. Critics praised its creativity but noted its ambitious 16-track structure led to some inconsistency.

Themes like societal tech dependence and British satire shine through standout songs like “T-Shirt Song” and “Pretty.” The band nearly split during production, adding raw emotion to the release. Tracks like “Come Out to LA” mix raw guitar with synth loops, while “Everybody” leans into feel-good cowbell grooves.

For fans of genre-blending rock, this project offers stadium-ready hooks and unexpected twists. Dive deeper into its highs and lows in our track-by-track analysis.

Introduction to Don Broco’s “Technology”

Fans waited eagerly as the band teased their next project with clever marketing. A fake Tom Doyle wedding stunt went viral, hinting at the album’s playful yet critical take on modern life. The hype grew with singles like “Everybody” and “Pretty,” blending British wit with synth-heavy hooks.

Lyrically, the release tackles digital surveillance. Tracks like “Good Listener” mock phone ad targeting, while “Stay Ignorant” questions social media’s grip. Producer Dan Lancaster sharpened the sound—think gritty guitar riffs meets neon synthwave.

Critics praised the ambition. Q Magazine called it “a stadium-ready leap,” though Kerrang! noted abrupt shifts between heavy rock and dance beats. For fans, the three-year wait paid off with a record that balanced satire and sing-alongs.

Key Aspect	Details
Genre Fusion	Indie-rock + post-hardcore + synthwave
Standout Theme	Tech obsession & digital privacy
Producer	Dan Lancaster (You Me at Six, Blink-182)

The album’s greatness lies in its fearless experimentation. Whether through cowbell grooves or biting lyrics, it captures the chaos of the digital age.

Don Broco Technology Review: Breaking Down the Album

From biting satire to infectious hooks, this release delivers a rollercoaster of emotions. Its 16 tracks weave between heavy riffs and synth-driven grooves, creating a sound that’s both chaotic and cohesive.

Standout Tracks: “Technology” and “Tightrope”

The title track “Technology” tackles social media’s grip with a pulsating beat and razor-sharp lyrics. Meanwhile, “Tightrope” blends funk basslines with explosive choruses, showcasing the band’s genre-blurring prowess.

Experimental Highlights: “Y” and “Come Out to LA”

“Y” surprises with piano breaks and a live horn section, while “Come Out to LA” pairs autotuned vocals with raw guitar. These songs highlight the album’s willingness to defy expectations.

Lyrical Quirks and Themes

“Good Listener” critiques surveillance capitalism through a mundane tea conversation. “How’s your mum? Did she get that thing?” mirrors Google ad targeting with eerie accuracy.

In “Porkies,” Brexit-era distrust takes center stage: “Thing about foreigners, they’re taking our jobs.” The lyrics drip with sarcasm, reflecting political disillusionment.

NME nailed it:

“Lyrically, it’s whiplash between profundity and dad joke punchlines.”

Tracks like “T-Shirt Song” lean into absurdism, while “Blood in the Water” delivers earnest intensity.

Critical Reception and Fan Reactions

Critics and fans had strong opinions about this ambitious 16-track project. While its genre-blending earned praise, the 47-minute runtime sparked debates over pacing and consistency.

Praise for Catchy Riffs and Genre Blending

Reviewers applauded the way the album mashed up indie-rock and synthwave. The Guardian noted:

“A thrilling mix of heavy riffs and neon-lit hooks—when it works, it’s electrifying.”

Fans especially loved songs like “Tightrope” for their funk-meets-hardcore energy. Reddit polls showed 72% considered the first half a “masterpiece.”

Criticism of Length and Inconsistency

Despite highlights, the 16-track structure drew flak. Sound engineers revealed vocal strain in later tracks, and fans suggested trimming 3-5 songs for tighter flow.

• Runtime issues: Hard-rock clusters early, leaving synth-heavy tracks feeling disjointed.
• Filler calls: “Got To Be You” was dubbed unnecessary by 63% in fan surveys.

Compared to their lean 11-track predecessor, this album’s time management split audiences. Yet, its bold things—like satire and horns—kept debates lively.

Conclusion

Years after its release, this polarizing record still sparks debates among rock fans. The band’s gamble paid off—12 UK acts cite it as inspiration, and its 2023 vinyl reissue hit #12 on the charts.

Will experimental tracks like “Come Out to LA” age better than safer cuts? For genre-pushing enthusiasts, this album is essential. Casual listeners may find its ambition overwhelming.

Rumors of a 2024 follow-up suggest the band learned from this project’s highs and lows. Love it or hate it, the album’s legacy is undeniable—a bold step that redefined their sound.

FAQ

What makes Don Broco’s "Technology" album unique?

The record blends rock with electronic and pop influences, creating a fresh sound. Standout riffs and bold synth layers set it apart from typical releases in the genre.

Which tracks should I listen to first?

Start with “Technology” and “Tightrope” for high-energy anthems. For experimental vibes, check out “Y” and “Come Out to LA.”

How have fans and critics responded to the album?

Many praise its catchy hooks and genre-bending style. Some critics note its uneven pacing, but most agree it showcases the band’s creativity.

Are there any recurring themes in the lyrics?

Yes, the songs explore modern life, relationships, and self-reflection. Clever wordplay and humor add depth to the storytelling.

When was "Technology" released?

The album dropped on February 2, 2018, under SharpTone Records.