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Album Review: Gloria Mundi revisit unique landmark debut ‘I-Individual’ in timely re-release

By Sonny Tyler
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Influential London art punks from the 70s release limited edition remaster via Antenna Records

This great ‘lost’ band had a relatively short existence (1976-79), but the mark they left on the music scene at the time was unquestionable. Gloria Mundi have had an influence upon the alternative music scene ever since, even if we didn’t know it! Not to mention that a certain David Bowie acknowledged them at a time when creativity was in abundance. They were a theatrical outfit, but with a hard-rocking edge which echoed the sounds of Punk rock and Post-punk, when those particular genres were in their infancy. Formed in London by Eddie Maelov (vocals/guitar) and Sunshine Patteson (keyboards/vocals) in the mid 70s, they originally started out as a sci-fi rock opera outfit, but took things further with a full band that became Gloria Mundi. 

Gloria Mundi played many iconic venues on the underground circuit at the time, including places like The Roxy, Vortex and The Marquee, and were managed by the infamous Rod Smallwood, who went on to manage Iron Maiden shortly afterwards. ‘I-Individual‘ was the band’s debut album and had the backing of RCA records. It was released in 1978, after the band had made a name for themselves on the gigging circuit with their theatrical vision, and musical compositions that dared to go beyond the three chords favoured by most punk rock bands of the time. The inclusion of saxophone was a big feature too, setting them apart from the rest, and this album is an ambitious, inventive and forward-thinking piece of work.

The music has an almost jazz/prog rock feel, but is much more heavy-hitting, with large elements of punk rock running through it. At one point during the opening track, ‘The Pack‘, I could even hear traces of The Cardiacs at play. They must have listened to this band at one point, and in the album’s theatricality, I can also compare it to bands like Deaf School, and even Sparks at times. Some would also say that Gloria Mundi inadvertently built the bridge linking punk and what was to become Goth music of the future. I can certainly get onboard with this summation.

‘I-Individual‘ had me hooked from the get-go, and these nine tracks really capture your imagination. Some of the vocals are quite low in the mix, but the production and musicianship is top-notch. Their song structures will infiltrate your brain and weave mysterious patterns, as you happily get swept along for the ride. The saxophone player (Colin C.C. Smith) even went on to play sax for early Ultravox, helping to define the band’s sound during the John Foxx era. 

‘I-Individual‘ has now been remastered and will enjoy a limited release on opaque white coloured vinyl (as well as on CD and digital download). All the album tracks will be accompanied by a bonus one, in the form of the title track from the band’s first EP, ‘Fight Back‘. The record comes in an inner bag complete with lyrics, plus unseen photos, and a 2-sided history of the band written by co-founder Eddie Maelov.
 

It’s a landmark album that deserves your attention. I love it when I discover a new ‘old’ band, and Gloria Mundi are definitely one of those. ‘I-Individual‘ is a snapshot of a time when art collided with music to great effect. It shall be getting repeated spins from me, and if you’ve previously heard the album, it could be time to revisit..?

Buy your copy of ‘I-Individual‘ remastered HERE

Gloria Mundi - 'I-Individual' album cover
  1. The Pack
  2. Condemned To Be Free
  3. Daughters Of Rich Men
  4. I Like Some Men
  5. I, Individual
  6. You Talk
  7. Park Lane
  8. Victim
  9. Split Personality
  10. Fight Back (bonus track)
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