News: The Mothmen 'Pay Attention' re-released June 1st

2015 is fast becoming the year for seminal post-punk bands. Wire have released their 14th album , just completed a UK tour and are getting ready to head out to the States. Gang Of Four are back with some new material and playing live, as are The Pop Group with their first album in 35 years. So it seems only fitting that the picture should be made complete with reissue of some of the landmark albums of the late seventies, early eighties.

Albums such as ‘Pay Attention’ by The Mothmen. Formed in 1979 from the fall out of Factory Records first band, The Durutti Column and satirical rock band Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias and then splitting up for good in 1982 The Mothmen had a pretty short lifespan compared to their contempories. In the short space of time they were active, they gathered a cult following and created what some see as a ‘lost classic’ from the original post-punk era.

Released in 1981, ‘Pay Attention’ was the second release from fledgling record label On-U Sound . The original album featured 7 tracks that perfectly captured the DIY ethic and experimental feel of early 80’s punk music. A contrasting album, ‘Pay Attention’ stands as a great example of not only a band, but how a whole genre was establishing itself, experimenting with different influences and creating a sound they could call their own. The album tracks flit from classic three chord (or less) punk riffs, to melodic pop, elements of what some would describe as ‘world music’ and in places has a definite psych type feel to it. On-U Sound later became a label synonymous with dub music, and this is evident in the overall production of the LP.

‘Pay Attention’ will be re-released by On-U Sound on June 1st. As well as what is now the obligatory vinyl release, the album will also be available on CD and digital format for the first time. All formats include the original album, plus and additional 6 bonus tracks, 3 of which are previously unheard, including the bands own take on Syd Barretts ‘Vegetable Man’, and this little gem…

As we mentioned earlier, The Mothmen had a relatively short lifespan. After disbanding in 1982 Chris Joyce and Tony Bowers went onto become the rhythm section in the classic 80s line-up of Simply Red, Bob Harding took over running reggae reissue label Blood & Fire, and tragically guitarist Dave Bothman, who played with numerous Manchester bands as a session player for Factory Records, was found murdered in his flat in 1991. The Happy Mondays wrote and recorded ‘Cowboy Dave’ in his memory.

‘Pay Attention’ is out on June 1st from On-U Sound.

LP Tracklist:

Side A

01. Afghan Farmer Driving Cattle

02. Animal Animaux

03. Not Moving

04. Factory / Teapoint / Factory

05. Please Let Go

06. Tardis (Sweep Is Dead, Long Live Sweep)

Side B

07. Mothman

Download card bonus tracks