UK Decay - For Madmen Only

The post-punk period was probably more important than the initial big bang itself, as a myriad of bands around the country served up exciting and inventive music. Forming in Luton, UK Decay confirmed that musical gravity was not the sole preserve of London; there was dark matter in the rudimentary chords of For My Country, an indie anthem in 1980. By 1982, things had become really interesting with the 10-minute Werewolf on the Rising From The Dread 12” EP plugging into the PiL and Bauhaus mixing board. The main course here though is their 1981 For Madmen Only album. Musically, this is a mature statement from beginning to end. Basslines throb, drums clatter and Steve Spon’s guitar work is sharp and melodic. With his lyrics and delivery, Steven Abbott was always the focus of the band, and Shattered, Stage Struck, Last In The House Of Flames and Unexpected Guest are fantastic. Considering what Beggars did for Bauhaus, one wonders how much further UK Decay would have gone with a decent label behind them. Instead, they will have to settle for receiving the kudos of influencing bands such as Nine Inch Nails.

Ripped from the vinyl album to unstable dark matter MP3 @ 320kbps

UK Decay; For Madmen Only

A1.  Duel

A2.  Battle Of The Elements

A3.  Shattered

A4.  Stage Struck

A5.  Last In The House Of Flames

B1.   Unexpected Guest

B2.   Sexual

B3.   Dorian

B4.   Decadence

B5.   Maybe Malady

B6.   For Madmen Only