- Genuine UK Pressing
Discover the raw power of Balaam's final statement with the "No More Innocence" 12" EP. This genuine UK pressing features the hard-hitting tracks "Shame on You" and "What Love Is," showcasing the band's intense energy and introspective lyrics. A must-have for fans of British alternative rock seeking a glimpse into the band's undeniable impact on the scene.
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.
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Music Genre: British / Scottish Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "BALAAM - No More Innocence" was produced by: Andy Piercy Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Curtis "Fingers" Schwartz This album was recorded at: Curtis Swchartz Studios, England Album cover design: Charles Cutforth Album cover photography: Dawn Johnson |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Intensity records |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1991 Made in England |
Complete Track-listing of the album "BALAAM - No More Innocence" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "BALAAM - No More Innocence" is:
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The front cover of Balaam's 1991 EP No More Innocence is a striking visual built around bold typographic design and aggressive color contrast.
Dominating the image is the word BALAAM in large, varsity-style capital letters, arched across the top half of the sleeve. The font is bold and blocky, with a strong red fill outlined by thick white and black borders, creating a layered, three-dimensional look. Each letter appears to stand upright with conviction, hinting at themes of defiance and urgency.
The background is a deep, electric blue with a chaotic black paint-splatter texture that evokes a sense of unrest and decay. The design avoids realism in favor of gritty abstraction, reminiscent of photocopied punk zines or urban decay.
Below the band’s name, the album title NO MORE INNOCENCE appears in red, uppercase serif letters on a horizontal black bar flanked by minimalist star-like symbols. The title is ominous and politically charged, reinforcing the EP’s post-punk, industrial tone and its critique of societal and political conditions in early 1990s Britain.
The entire composition gives off a rebellious, underground aesthetic, both raw and deliberate—true to the spirit of the band and the message they convey through their music.
The back cover of Balaam’s 1991 EP No More Innocence is a moody, high-contrast black and white photograph capturing the band in full post-punk regalia. The group stands confidently in front of a backdrop of wrecked cars, metal debris, and jagged urban decay—symbolic of the chaos and disillusionment reflected in their music.
Each band member is clad in black leather jackets and dark clothing, embodying the rebellious edge of early '90s underground rock. The frontman takes center stage, staring directly at the viewer with long, tousled hair draped over a crucifix necklace and a customized belt reading "Sinister." Flanking him are bandmates with equally intense expressions—one with long dreadlocks and dark sunglasses, another gripping a microphone or chain, and one more brooding in the shadows.
Across the top in bold red, sans-serif all-caps is the tracklist: Shame on You, Next to Me, What Love Is, She's Not You, Mr. Business, Just No Good—all separated by red stars. This sharp contrast against the monochrome photo draws immediate attention.
At the bottom, in smaller red type, are detailed credits: songwriters, producers, engineers, and studio information. The EP was produced by Andy Piercy and recorded at Curtis Schwartz Studios in England. The distinctive stylized "B" logo sits center-bottom, flanked by the logo of Intensity Records and barcode on the lower right.
The gritty aesthetic, combined with the photograph’s defiant tone and layout, reinforces the band’s identity and the album’s thematic focus on political unrest and loss of innocence.
This is a close-up of the Side One vinyl label of Balaam’s 1991 EP No More Innocence, pressed by Intensity Records. The central design features a stylized metallic emblem of two crossed nails, possibly representing crucifixion or resistance, aligned diagonally and riveted through a central spindle hole—giving the label a raw, industrial feel.
The band's name BALAAM is printed at the top in large, arched red letters with bold black and white outlines, mirroring the style used on the album cover. Just beneath, the three tracks on Side One are listed in condensed red uppercase text: Shame on You, Next to Me, What Love Is.
"SIDE 1" and "33 RPM" appear in blue on the left and right sides respectively, indicating the playback speed and side identifier. Along the lower arc of the label, the logo and imprint of Intensity Records is stamped in matching blue, followed by "MADE IN ENGLAND" in block capital letters.
The production credits appear in small red print below: the EP was produced by Andy Piercy and engineered by Curtis “Fingers” Schwartz at Curtis Schwartz Studios, England. Legal warnings encircle the label’s edge in a white sans-serif font, typical of vinyl releases of the era, prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or public performance.
This label design encapsulates the underground spirit of the release, combining aggressive iconography, vivid contrasts, and stark messaging with minimalist efficiency.