The The is for most part the musical alias of one Matt Johnson, and here is the debut release by him. Released in the August of 1980, the music here is quite different of what he would be doing in a few years such as his most well known song Uncertain Smile. Controversial subject is much more electronic, featuring a constant drum machine part with some prominent synth passages. It also has an interesting neo-psychedelic sound with multiple vocal overdubs as well some panning fun. The lyrics itself are rather good and one of the main hold overs that he took when changed labels. The production is probably the weakest part of the release with the guitar being very trebily, and the balance being very odd.
The b-side, Black and White has an even worse time with balance between instruments with a really obnoxious melody featuring over very simple and maudlin keyboard lines, and a more percussive back beat. I would not be surprised if Matt was the only performer on the second track considering how simple all the music is. So overall, while I would say the a-side is catchy and lyrically good, this release overall is nothing special.
Rating: 2.5/5
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