The Stranglers - Dark Matters (LP)

Facts Vinyl LP pressing. 2021 release, the first new album in nearly a decade from the veteran British punk band. Dark Matters is The Stranglers' first studio album release since 2012 and the first since their keyboard player Dave Greenfield died last year (a victim of COVID-19). Greenfield himself features on eight of the album's 11 tracks, which were made over the course of two years at the band's studios in Somerset and in Southern France, produced by long-time collaborator Louie Nicastro. Band members JJ Burnel and Baz Warne completed Dark Matters remotely during lockdowns, adding to it the song "And If You Should See Dave..." a contemplative, but uplifting a tribute to Greenfield.