Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: Iconic post-punk visionaries THE THE have been a much missed presence on the British alternative scene. Despite touring with relative regularity, their new album in 2024 was their first in a quarter of a century. Formed in 1979 by singer-songwriter Matt Johnson, they have had a revolving door policy with regards to the line-up - and included Johnny Marr for a spell - but Johnson remains the sole constant member and mind behind the name. This 7" release comes after the band have been touring their latest album Ensoulement and worked out which tracks deserve a featured release. "We found that these two songs were amongst the most popular. 'Where Do We Go When We Die?' was written for my late father Eddie Johnson (author of Tales From The Two Puddings) whilst 'Risin' Above The Need' is a philosophical muse upon addiction and materialism and the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles," says Johnson in a press release. Proving that deciding on which release to print after road testing is definitely the right way to go about business, this 7" is an irresistible, soulful treat that will make up for its brevity through begging to be played on repeat.

Review: The latest offering from The The, 'Linoleum Smooth To The Stockinged Foot,' emerges as a deeply personal and haunting track, showcasing Matt Johnson's evocative songwriting amidst a backdrop of surrealism and introspection. Penned during Johnson's recovery from a critical surgery, the lyrics resonate with introspective depth, capturing a hallucinogenic journey heightened by discordant horns and fiddle arrangements. This release stands out for its collaborative spirit, featuring guest musicians like Sonya Cullingford on fiddle, Terry Edwards on horns and Gillian Glover on backing vocals, all contributing to the song's atmospheric complexity. The single cover, features artwork by Johnson's late brother Andrew (Andy Dog), adds a poignant layer to an already compelling release.

Review: THE THE's eagerly awaited Ensoulment marks their first studio album since 2000's NakedSelf. This 12-track collection traverses sharp social commentary and personal introspection, something the band has always excelled at through the years. To celebrate the release, a strictly limited 7" vinyl single will feature 'Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake,' a standout track from the album. The single also includes an exclusive B-side, a previously unreleased track, making it great for collectors wanting a unique piece of their discography. With Ensoulment, THE THE delivers a potent mix of incisive lyrics and introspective musings, reinforcing their legacy with a fresh yet timeless edge. While, like most of mainstream media missing this amazing band as usual, true tastemakers know the legendary career Matt Johnson has had. His impact is immeasurable.

Review: RECOMMENDED
There's always been an air of mystery about The The. Look through the band's history, which stretches wayyyyy back to the late-1970s, and the list of collaborators alone is enough to convince you they've been making moves in the right places for many, many years, striving to innovate and carve out their own space in the unarguably busy post punk landscape.

Everything Matt Johnson touches seems to turn to gold. Albeit a particularly scuzzy gold that exists solely in the darkest rooms of the least kept venues. Even on this accolade - a group getting a spot at The Royal Albert Hall is no mean feat - there's a sense of yellow-hued street lights and rain falling on concrete. But this is combined with a poetic element that's up there with the finest literary Romantics, and a commentary that will tell you all there is to tell.