CD: FREUDCD003
RELEASED: 1993
LABEL: Jungle

01. Time
02. The Tenant
03. Propaganda
04. Sin Of Sins
05. In Silence
06. Don't Leave Without Me
07. Shine *
08. Gaze *
09. Promise *
10. Propaganda (mix) *
11. Propaganda (1984 mix) *
12. Sin Of Sins (1984 mix) *
13. Poison Takes A Hold *
14. Introduction *
15. T.V. Eye *
16. Final Epitaph *

* bonustracks

Reissue of The First Flower, Play Dead's debut album, originally recorded at the Jungle Records studio in March of 1983. This album came totally unexpected as the group had disappeared since their last record company Fresh Records had gone under. Play Dead were an English waverock group from Oxford that grew out of the fading English punk scene in 1980. This reissue includes 10(!) extra tracks. Four of the ten extra tracks featured original guitarist "Re-Vox." There’s power here, that’s for certain. Feel the march of time, deliberate over the fool’s delight, and prepare for the last dance. "Time", the opening cut, is the perfect backdrop to these peculiar feelings, its simple two-note bass run, majestic sustained guitar wash and pacey hi-hat trickery filling and fleshing out the mind. "The Tenant" is even more damaging. The verse powers in with a dazzling, destructive dirge, while the hook is straightforward brute angst. "Propaganda" states its case even more violently, huge bellowing tom toms and abrasive, slicing guitars making the senses work overtime. "The Flower" has budded, and as the shoot sprouts, eventually unfolding its precious persuasive petals, more magic is at work. "Sin of Sins" gives the set a rumbling, pulsing, pugnacious touch. "Don’t Leave Without Me" is not nearly as melodically distinctive, but nearly fits the deep, dark heady emotions that Play Dead bring to the fore. "The First Flower" is a fine debut album, a statement that puts Play Dead on the map, way ahead of the rebellious ranting rabble. Investigate urgently.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Danse Society, The March Violets, The Sisters Of Mercy, The Cult