New releases this week: Indie/Alternative

Review: Latest on Mute Records' reissuing arm is this wonderful eight-track LP from These Immortal Souls, who in 1992 proffered a bold declaration of immortality, spiritual or otherwise, with I'm Never Gonna Die Again. An atmospheric post-punk gem, reissued alongside the earlier 'Get Lost (Don't Die)', is released just as it was in 1995, though it is soon set to be complemented by a brand new ten-track collection of unearthed and yet to be released live recordings. All three releases serve as a remembrance triad for the band led by Rowland S Howard, as they'd cease to perform in 1998; this one hears them at the height of their powers, snarling, riffing and drawling away into a graveyard-shifting musical night.

Review: Mute's latest offering, Extra, unveils a treasure trove of live recordings and remastered tracks from the enigmatic post-punk outfit These Immortal Souls. Led by the inimitable Rowland S. Howard, known for his pioneering work with the Birthday Party alongside Nick Cave, the band's Australian roots infuse their London-based sound with a unique edge. This album, accompanied by detailed sleeve notes by original member Harry Howard, serves as a companion piece to the 2024 remasters of their seminal debut Get Lost (Don’t Lie!) and sophomore effort I’m Never Gonna Die Again. The tracklist is a akin to the band's eclectic tastes, featuring visceral renditions of classics like Alice Cooper’s 'Luney Tune' and Iggy Pop & James Williamson's 'Open Up and Bleed.' With Rowland S. Howard's distinctive vocals leading the charge, complemented by the masterful musicianship of Harry Howard, drummer Epic Soundtracks, and keyboardist Genevieve McGuckin, These Immortal Souls deliver a sonic journey that transcends time and genre boundaries. Formed in 1987 after departing Crime & the City Solution, These Immortal Souls carved out their own sonic niche, blending raw energy with haunting melodies. Extra offers a glimpse into the world of one of post-punk's most underrated gems.

Review: Mute's reissue of These Immortal Souls' sophomore album, I’m Never Gonna Die Again, is a long-awaited gem for fans of the band's dark and brooding sound. Remastered from the original tapes by Lindsay Gravina, along with original members Harry Howard and Genevieve McGuckin at Birdland Studio, this edition breathes new life into the haunting melodies and gritty textures of the album. Originally released in June 1992 after a hiatus due to Rowland S. Howard's writer's block, the album marked a triumphant return for These Immortal Souls. Lead single 'King of Kalifornia' set the tone with its gritty intensity, showcasing the band's evolution since their debut. Joined by Anthony Thistlethwaite on saxophone and slide mandolin, the band's lineup remained formidable, with Rowland S. Howard's distinctive vocals and guitar work leading the charge. Alongside Harry Howard, Epic Soundtracks, and Genevieve McGuckin, they crafted a sonic landscape that was both haunting and hypnotic. For fans of post-punk and dark wave, I’m Never Gonna Die Again remains a standout in These Immortal Souls' discography. With this reissue, Mute pays homage to the band's enduring legacy, ensuring that their music continues to gain new fans for years to come.

Review: These Immortal Souls was an Australian Indie rock band who released two albums and a handful of singles in the period from 1987 to 1998, signing to Mute records in a period when the label was mostly working with electronic bands of some sort. These Immortal Souls were more of a retro rock group that would probably be grouped more with bands like The Mighty Lemon Drops, The Jesus & The Chain or Nick Cave, and Extra gathers some of their best work for a compilation that turns out to be a fine tribute to the band who were clearly ahead of their time.

Review: Mute's re-release of These Immortal Souls' debut album, Get Lost (Don’t Lie!), marks a long-awaited moment for fans of post-punk excellence. Remastered from the original tapes by Lindsay Gravina, along with original band members Harry Howard and Genevieve McGuckin at Birdland Studio, this edition breathes new life into the iconic record. Originally unleashed in 1987 on the heels of their debut EP, Marry Me, the album encapsulates the band's raw energy and uncompromising vision. Led by the unmistakable vocals of Rowland S. Howard, renowned for his work with the Birthday Party, the band's lineup, including Harry Howard, Epic Soundtracks, and Genevieve McGuckin, solidifies their place in the annals of post-punk history. Clocking in at a concise 30 minutes, Get Lost (Don’t Lie!) remains a potent sonic statement, capturing the essence of These Immortal Souls' dark and brooding sound. From the haunting atmospheres to the frenetic rhythms, each track is a testament to the band's collective talent and creative chemistry. For both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the These Immortal Souls saga, this reissue serves as a fitting tribute to a band whose influence reverberates through the underground music scene.