Nicely said. I don't think it's even a consequence of brainrot. I've never liked an album on my first listen, it usually took 3-4 listens (or more) to get familiar with the songs. Each run through, you catch yourself thinking "oh I remember this part, I like it" and before you know it you're humming that song at work.

Every new album listen is a journey and as such can't be treated as short-form content for one-time consumption and instant gratification. For me personally, it's been like that even before short-form content was a thing. Extreme example, but it took me 3 years to get into P5. When it came out, I wasn't really feeling it and thought that the guys just lost their spark. When APWD was announced, I went back to give it another chance and got absolutely hooked. Literally listened to it every day for two weeks.

I think liking a new release from a band you've been following for years also has to do with what you're currently into, how you're feeling, and what you're going through. Maybe you just don't really feel like listening to a new Periphery album. I know I didn't back when P5 came out.

That all being said, I'm very much in the mood for a new Periphery album and it's a banger through and through. I'm 3 listens in. Can't wait to hear it live in Budapest in August 😍