Website [Release date 16.10.26]

An interesting album by IT as the original album was written, recorded and produced by Nick Jackson back in 1994, and it was only ever released on self-made cassettes. Nick takes up the story, “In 2020, after several IT fans had somehow got a hold of the long-deleted The Stranger Inside the Self (TSITS) recordings, and with more asking for a copy, I reluctantly gave them one.”

“As this request began to snowball and IT’s 30th year anniversary was just over the horizon, I somehow got the bright idea to revisit the album and initially fix the mix and remaster. Well, I quickly learnt that that doesn’t happen so easily. And a new journey had begun in which we chased TSITS into what has become a complete remake album, of the original 1994 version.”

Maybe not as easier as it sounds as IT honoured the original recordings, musical parts and lyrics became a task that really challenged the band. All the songs and 95% of the lyrics are as they were, with one exception, a tittle change from The Last Of November to Do You Remember?

The CD package contains both the 2026 and 1994 versions of the album, on separate CDs and you are best getting this version, as streaming wise the album will be released as a serious of singles over time.

IT consists of Nick Jackson (vocals, guitar, writer & producer) and Andy Rowberry (guitars, backing vocals, co-writer & producer), Mark Gatland (bass & backing vocals) and Tom Ashcroft (drums & percussion).

Now, onto the music…the main thing that stands out is the attention to detail on the sound. Dear listener please do get the headphones on for this one. The title track is a perfect example of this, from the quiet keys intro to where the drums and guitar crash in.

‘I Won’t Pray On Sundays’ sounds superb, from the percussion through to the guitar and vocals. An instant song and little wonder it was released as a single ahead of the album’s release.

‘More (Sanitary Insanity)’ shows the heavier side of IT, prog metal and complete with a rather fan guitar solo. Then just when you think you have the hang of the album, the It Bites sounding ‘Waiting for the World’ takes the listener down another musical avenue.

Touches of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters solo works on ‘Something to Say’ (the second single). This one, as do many of the songs on the album, benefit greatly from the various female backing vocals, which add an atmospheric touch to this song in particular. On ‘To Have and to Hold’, not only lyrically is it strong and relatable, but the percussion and bass lines have their day in the sun.

A wise move to re-record the album given the band’s musical experience has increased, as have sound and production techniques. For all intents and purposes, unless you were one of the few lucky fans to own one of the original cassettes, this is a new album. A fine album, well worth adding to your collection, and if you need any further incentive, you can even purchase an IT beermat with your CD copy! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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HOLLOW PACT Witchking (Sumerian Records)
RETURN TO ZERO Dark Matter (Eve Music)
MMMR MUSIC Fire’s Still Burning (Duckfat Records)

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