Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: Violent Femmes' second album, Hallowed Ground, released in 1984, stands as a bold departure from their self-titled debut, challenging listeners with its daring shift in tone and subject matter. Where their first album became an anthem for 80s teen angst, Hallowed Ground ventures into darker, more complex territories, both musically and thematically. The album opens with 'Country Death Song,' a chilling narrative that contrasts sharply with the youthful rebellion of their earlier work. This unsettling track sets the stage for an album that defies easy categorisation, blending folk, gospel, and punk influences into a cohesive yet unpredictable whole. Tracks like 'Jesus Walking on the Water' and 'It's Gonna Rain' showcase Gordon Gano's religious upbringing, bringing a raw sincerity to the band's exploration of faith and morality. These elements, combined with the band's improved musicianship, mark Hallowed Ground as a significant evolution from their debut. Despite its initial reception, which saw the album dismissed by some as a misstep, Hallowed Ground has endured as a powerful statement of artistic growth. Its willingness to challenge expectations and explore uncomfortable themes has cemented it as a standout in Violent Femmes' discography, one that continues to resonate with listeners seeking more than just another dose of teen angst.

Review: It sounds contemporary still but Hallowed Ground - the second album by post-punk/alt-country band Violent Femmes - has reached its landmark 40 year anniversary. To commemorate the record by this legendary American group, which is fronted by the alluring master songwriter Gordon Gano, it's being released on vinyl, having been mastered from the original stereo tapes. Indicative of the album's irreverent and subversive nature is the appearance of no wave legend John Zorn on the record - he plays sax and clarinet on 'Black Girls'. The band are famed for having packed this record with their more leftfield material and sticking their more accessible pop numbers on the debut album. Any attempt at self-sabotage (even though it was probably in jest), however, didn't work. This second album heightened their cult status and inflated their still enduring influence on US indie rock.