CD:OPPOCD001
RELEASED: 2001
LABEL: Red Sun Records

01.Paddy Fields
02. War Games
03. Moving Targets
04. A Thirst
05. Breaking The Silence
06. Black And White
07. Waiting
08. In My Eyes
09. Very Little Glory
10. She Said *
11. Open The Door *

* bonustracks

Digitally remastered reissue of The Opposition's debut album which originally was released in 1981 and has never been available on CD before. Without any doubt this is one of the finest debuts of the golden age of post-punk, an inelastic tension ball of paranoia, romantic strife and alienation. Each of the tracks are equally strong; some take two plays to sink into, and others might take dozens. The title track, "Breaking The Silence, " attacks the sound from a sparse perspective, relying on a steady bass line and punctual drums. With the gentle added touches of ethereal guitars and keyboard melodies, you are thoroughly swept away. Mark Long sings with conviction from the heart, only breaking away for some minimal embellishments as the track goes on. At times, the guitar level turns up and Long really sings from the gut, giving you chills. Another haunting number is "Paddy Fields." Where the band dives into a steady bass and keyboard progression, only yielding to another brilliant chorus and a slew of textured noodling. Here for once is a band capable of stretching the heart, making meaningful, worthwhile statements on common human dilemmas, with their big beat, gut-firing guitars, strong heady bass-lines and tightly controlled vocals.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Chameleons, U2, The Sound, The Cure