The Virgin Prunes by Colm Henry.
Virgin Prunes burst forth from the streets of Dublin in 1977, eventually their niche in the post-punk pantheon with a vehement flourish. Spearheaded by the charismatic Gavin Friday and Guggi and an ensemble of musicians including Dave-iD Busaras, Mary D’Nellon, Strongman, and Dik, this lineup morphed over time, echoing the band’s ever-evolving sound. Initially tightly knit with U2, stemming from shared roots and youthful alliances, the Virgin Prunes were a transcendent, visceral experience. With their daring mélange of punk ferocity, gothic allure, and esoteric art rock, their provocative live performances proved a theatrical tour de force draped in avant-garde artistry…and, naturally, controversy.
Indeed, the Virgin Prunes’ legacy is underscored by their bold defiance of mainstream conventions. Their artistic approach was unapologetically unique, a blend of raw emotion and experimental sound that resonated deeply. This commitment to their singular vision helped them cultivate a fervent, dedicated fan base, even as mainstream success eluded them.
As the 1980s drew to a close, the Virgin Prunes began to fade from the spotlight, but their influence did not diminish. Their impact on the alternative music scene was profound and lasting, leaving an indelible mark that continues to be felt. Their innovative songwriting and performance style garnered admiration from notable figures in the music industry, such as Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan, Michael Stipe, Mark E Smith, and Courtney Love.
Singer and songwriter Gavin Friday’s career has spanned four decades and has seen him collaborate with his childhood friends in U2, as well asThe Fall, Sinead O’Connor, Dave Ball, Scott Walker, Hal Willner, and Quincy Jones. He’s also created music for Academy Award-nominated films such as In the Name of the Father and In America.
Now, the Virgin Prunes have announced a new reissue of their 1981 work A New Form Of Beauty, out March 8th via BMG, following their critically acclaimed reissue of their Colin Newman-produced album If I Die, I Die, which came out in early 2023. To mark the announcement, the band has shared an ominous remix of Sweethome Under White Clouds.
The release comes on 3LP and 2CD, alongside a media and art book, new sleeve notes, remastered audio, and brand-new remixes from the band’s theatrical, award-winning frontman Gavin Friday, and Apparition.
The 3LP deluxe edition of A New Form of Beauty features all four parts of the record remastered from original tape in a tri-fold reverse board sleeve deluxe package with a 16-page 11” deluxe artbook containing brand new sleevenotes by Jon Wood and original Guggi drawings.
The 2CD & digital deluxe editions all feature remastered audio with brand-new remixes and tape loop mashups by Apparition and Gavin Friday.
Pre-order A New Form of Beauty here.
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