BALAAM - NO MORE INNOCENCE 12" EP VINYL

- Genuine UK Pressing

In the bleak midwinter of 1980s Britain, a time of social unrest, political division, and the looming threat of nuclear war, a band named Balaam emerged from the industrial heartlands of Manchester with a sonic manifesto that captured the zeitgeist: the *No More Innocence* 12" EP.

Balaam, a shadowy collective shrouded in mystery, channeled the era's anxieties into a raw, visceral sound that defied categorization. *No More Innocence* was a sonic assault on the senses, blending elements of post-punk, industrial, and goth into a unique and uncompromising sonic landscape.

The EP kicks off with "Shame on You," a blistering indictment of societal hypocrisy and political corruption. Mark Wilson's impassioned vocals, driven by a relentless rhythm section and searing guitars, deliver a scathing critique of the establishment.

"Next to Me" delves into the darker corners of human desire and obsession, with a pulsating bassline and haunting synthesizers creating an atmosphere of unease and foreboding.

"What Love Is" offers a brief respite from the sonic onslaught, with a melancholic melody and introspective lyrics exploring the complexities of love and loss.

The EP's B-side opens with "She's Not You," a raw and emotive ballad about betrayal and heartbreak, showcasing Wilson's vulnerable vocals and the band's ability to create moments of poignant beauty amidst the sonic chaos.

"Mr. Business" is a sardonic commentary on the soulless pursuit of wealth and power, with a driving beat and cynical lyrics that cut like a knife.

The EP concludes with "Just No Good," a nihilistic anthem of despair and disillusionment, with a repetitive riff and distorted vocals that capture the bleakness of the era.

Produced by the enigmatic John Rivers and recorded in the legendary Strawberry Studios, *No More Innocence* was a DIY effort that resonated with a generation disillusioned with the mainstream music industry.