A PSYCH punk duo from Tameside are showcasing ‘resurrected’ vinyl at an exhibition in Stalybridge.
‘The Dirt’ is a collaboration between Japanese musician Sachiko and partner Jack (a.k.a. Leon the pig Farmer) who are based in Mossley.
Last year, the band released its first studio album ‘Agitator’ but experienced a setback due to a mispress of the limited 100 vinyl edition – where the incorrect content is pressed due to a manufacturing mistake.
But, with a sold-out gig at The Peer Hat in Manchester to contend with, the duo moved forward with CD and download options of the album, before the vinyl was released in June – three months later than originally planned.
It was well received by vinyl enthusiasts and music journalists, reaching the top 100 of albums in 2023 listed by music and culture website and magazine Louder Than War.
After the mispress, the band – which, in their own words, “combines Psych shoegaze guitars, electronic rhythms and abrasive spoken verse” – retained the unwanted copies and thought about what to do with them.
A number of the vinyl were released prior to the band’s album anniversary on April 13 this year, with 23 copies available at a cut price to the public with an accompanying album download code – which were snapped up within 24 hours!
The album was entitled ‘Damaged Goods’ and presented in a white sleeve with hand-drawn titles in DIY stencils and Japanese calligraphy.
Jack, the vocalist, also spray-painted and artistically brought 10 copies to life, which also flew off the shelves.
The band is now hosting a gallery of damaged first press vinyl – painted in unique styles by a selection of artists associated with the band in different forms.
Copies of the ‘Damaged Goods’ vinyl were provided to fellow creatives – known to the duo personally – to paint the vinyl whilst listening to the album.
Forty of the hand-painted vinyl records will be on display at an exhibition – and then offered for sale – at Industry on Castle Street in Stalybridge on Thursday, September 26 at 7pm.
Admission for the ‘Chatter and Verse’ event is £5 in advance online via the band’s social media platforms, or £7 on the door.
The Dirt also intend to return to the studio at the end of the year to record a second album.