Adrian Borland And The Citizens - Brittle Heaven

Brittle Heaven is the second solo studio album by English singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Sound, Adrian Borland, released in 1992 under the name Adrian Borland and The Citizens. Moving away from the austere, tense post-punk textures that defined his previous band, Borland crafted a more expansive and accessible indie rock record with a distinctly melodic focus. Backed by a full studio band—including contributions from Anthony Thistlethwaite of The Waterboys—the album features lush instrumentation characterized by the prominent use of keyboards, saxophone, and backing vocals. It represents a period where Borland embraced a more polished, radio-friendly production style without sacrificing his signature emotional depth.

Lyrically and sonically, the album explores themes of vulnerability, love, and isolation across its 14 tracks, anchored by standout songs like "Universe of You," "Faithful," and the atmospheric title track. While it did not achieve mainstream commercial success upon its initial release via PIAS Recordings, Brittle Heaven remains a highly regarded entry in Borland's tragic but brilliant discography, celebrated by fans for its warm, dream-pop inflections and exceptional songwriting craftsmanship. In recent years, the album has received renewed appreciation from collectors and post-punk historians, leading to remastered vinyl reissues that have introduced Borland’s solo work to a new generation of listeners.

Adrian Borland And The Citizens - Alexandria

The Sound were certainly one of the bands from the post punk era that never really got the recognition they deserved. After their demise in 1988, their lead-singer Adrian Borland moved to the Netherlands and formed Adrian Borland and The Citizens. Released in 1989, Alexandria was his new band’s first album. Following up on the music produced by The Sound was no easy feat, but their popularity in the Netherlands helped. Borland not only proved he was an accomplished songwriter but one capable of delivering accessible songs, if only the public would listen.

Alexandria is a mellow record in comparison to his previous work with The Sound. Passionate and intense, it reveals much about the man behind the songs. His fragile emotional state translates into songs which have an almost optimistic jangly feel yet at times moody and dramatic. Borland uses his voice really well on this record as it plays a large part in carrying the songs. Much of The Sound’s music had a rudimentary unpolished feel, Alexandria however sounds much more sophisticated and mature.

Overall Alexandria could be easily sat alongside early R.E.M., The Mighty Lemon Drops, Dream Syndicate, The Go Betweens, The Replacements and XTC. Adrian produced the album himself, having already worked with a number of independent bands. Vibrators guitar player Pat Collier was drafted in to add his special touch to a few of the songs.

Anyone who calls him or herself a fan of post punk or new wave should seek out the music of Adrian Borland, most certainly if you are into bands like The Chameleons and Comsat Angels.

Edited somewhat from original by THEARCHITECT