The Membranes - What Nature Gives... Nature Takes Away (2019)

The new album from the influential UK post punk band Membranes fronted by John Robb - and their first to feature a choir, adding a dark and thrilling epic edge to their songs. Follows the success of 2015's critically acclaimed "Dark Matter/Dark Energy" (made following their return after 20 years), which was a 6music favourite and received positive reviews across the world. The album's environmental theme was inspired by a conversation with fellow nature and post punk fan Chris Packham (who guests on the album), about the beauty and violence of nature and the transient nature of life and love. Sixteen epic, powerful and darkly romantic songs of powerful, epic post punk with several tracks using the BIMM. Boasts adventures into krautrock, dark dub, off kilter rhythms, death disco, tribal , dark opera, neo-classical and apocalyptic bass driven noise. Featuring guests such as 84-year old folk singer legend Shirley Collins, the original punk icon Jordan and Kirk Brandon from Theatre Of Hate..This summer, Lush (the cosmetics company) will be releasing a Membranes perfume called 'A Strange Perfume' after the opening track of the album. There will be four promotional videos to go with this album: "A dark and brooding double album of post punk psychedelic soundscapes under the tutelage of Hieronymous Bosch." - ANDY CAIRNS (THERAPY) "Sounds great - the choir is a special touch" - IAN BROWN