Always Now by Section 25

Factory Benelux presents a remastered edition of 'Always Now' the debut album by Section 25, originally issued on Factory Records in August 1981 and produced by Martin Hannett.

Recorded as a trio at Pink Floyd's Britannia Row studio in London, 'Always Now' combined austere post-punk rhythms with elements of Can, Krautrock and modern psychedelia. Key tracks include Friendly Fires, Dirty Disco, New Horizon and Hit (sampled by Kanye West on FML).

Bonus tracks include a John Peel radio session taped in January 1981, as well as album outtake Human Puppets.

Cover art by Peter Saville.

"Martin Hannett's production on Always Now - his crowning achievement - doesn't wrap the music in his trademark sepulchral opulence. Rather a starkly lit, intimate space is conjured, seemingly real but somehow alien, a space that feels like it's being dreamed as you listen, with the players as disembodied, spectral presences" (The Wire, 2015)

"The rhythm-focused first album by Section 25 is a vital mid-point between the bass-driven side of Pil's Metal Box and minimalist Joy Division workouts like I Remember Nothing. A Krautrock-y spaciness brings trippy disorientation. Back in 1981 much distracted from the music, but heard now without the baggage overlooked Always Now stands the test of time with aplomb. 4 stars" (Mojo, 2015)

"This widescreen version of their impressive debut is essential. Not only has it been taken from the original master tapes and replicates Peter Saville's original matchbook-like sleeve, but it also features a John Peel session plus a live gig from 1980 as well as album outtakes. If Joy Division were Factory's crown jewels, Section 25 were an uncut diamond. Four stars" (Record Collector, 2015)

"One of the best albums Britain's second city has unleashed" (Q Magazine, 2006)

"A feast of serrated guitars over dub-spacious production, gloom rock that exults in its own monumental miserabilism. Mere period depresso-rock? No. Always Now and other tracks here could be the work of an aspirant contemporary experimental outfit. In fact leading Brit indie band Friendly Fires took their name from track one, side one" (Classic Pop, 2015)

"A work that is really one of the key releases of the time along with the Joy Divs and Public Image. Listen to it now and it sounds like a modern record" (Louder Than War, 2012)

"Their most complete statement. Several complementary shades of gloomy" (Q Magazine, 1991)

"A modern redevelopment of psychedaelia" (Melody Maker, 1992)

"Stone tablets from a distant, mist-shrouded age" (Uncut, 2000)

"In 1980 their bass-driven mantras were thoughtlessly dismissed as second-rate Joy Division, but hindsight judges them more kindly. The wind-dried skeins of their blasted guitar harmonics and skimped electronics gauntly cling to the songs' skeletal frames. With tell-tale titles like Babies in the Bardo their Buddhist interests hang heavy over these early stirrings" (The Wire, 2002)

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