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.
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.
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
- The Pack
- Condemned To Be Free
- Daughters Of Rich Men
- I Like Some Men
- I, Individual
- You Talk
- Park Lane
- Victim
- Split Personality
- Fight Back (bonus track)
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I have been writing reviews for Brighton & Hove News, and more recently Vive Le Rock magazine for a few years now. Previously, I could be spotted playing drums for many a band over the decades. A noisy habit developed whilst wearing short trousers at school, and one that has had me touring around the UK and Europe. Punk rock is my life, but I am also quite eclectic. I am an avid gig go-er and music devourer, and can feel out of sorts if a gig date is not on the horizon. I have also been known to put gigs on myself in order to fill those gaps.
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