Troublegum

Description

This reissue of Therapy? The album Troublegum faithfully reproduces the original version from A&M Records UK and is pressed on high-quality 180g caramel vinyl. When Therapy? released Troublegum in 1994, they were already well established, but it was the first time many encountered the intensely melodic blend of hard rock and indie from the band, a striking combination of old and new, hitting with its immediacy. Formed by school friends in Larne, Northern Ireland, Therapy? has consistently pushed the rock trio to its limits, often stating that their use of feedback was their fourth instrument. Singer, guitarist, and songwriter Andy Cairns, bassist Michael McKeegan, and drummer Fyfe Ewing had been playing together since 1989 and signed with the independent label Wiiija the following year due to their live reputation. After two albums with Wiiija, they signed with A&M Records, and their 1992 album, Nurse, reached the UK Top 40. The band teamed up with Mission producer Chris Sheldon and went to Chipping Norton studios to record a follow-up. The results were stunning. The single "Screamager" (from the EP Shortsharpshock) reached the UK Top 10 in March 1993; the follow-up "Turn" reached the Top 20. By the time Troublegum was released in February 1994, it included both singles, as well as "Nowhere" and "Trigger Inside," other hits from the album. Troublegum is warm and powerful, showing that grunge was not just the domain of West Coast US bands. Mixed without noticeable gaps between tracks, the album delivers 45 minutes of assault. Among the originals, the band's post-punk roots are highlighted by their blistering cover of Joy Division's "Isolation." Widely acclaimed, Troublegum reached number 5 on the UK charts, became a gold record, and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. It sounds as fresh today as it did in 1994.