What makes It – The Album by Alien Sex Fiend notable?

The album is significant for its influence on the gothic rock genre, capturing the essence of underground club culture in the mid-80s. It peaked at number 33 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating the band's growing popularity and solidifying their role within the post-punk movement. Released in 1986, It – The Album was Alien Sex Fiend's third studio effort, following their breakthrough record, Who's Been Sleeping in My Brain? in 1985. At this point, the band had established themselves as a key player in the UK goth scene, continuing to push boundaries with their unique sound and theatricality.

Who is It – The Album for?

It – The Album works well if you're into chaotic energy for wild nights, dark whimsy for adventurous spirits and cathartic release through frenetic sound.

How many songs are on It – The Album?

It – The Album has 11 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

It – The Album

Alien Sex Fiend · 1986

60 min · 11 tracks · punk rock

A chaotic blend of gothic rock and punk energy collides with darkly whimsical themes and experimental soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smells Like... — This opening track encapsulates the album's frenetic energy, showcasing a mix of punk aggression and gothic aesthetics that define the band's sound.
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Manic Depression — Clocking in at over thirteen minutes, this sprawling track features complex arrangements and a haunting atmosphere that highlights the band's avant-garde approach to songwriting.
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Hurricane Fighter Plane — With its driving rhythm and surreal lyrics, this track exemplifies Alien Sex Fiend's ability to weave storytelling into their music while maintaining an infectious energy.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

chaotic energy for wild nights
dark whimsy for adventurous spirits
cathartic release through frenetic sound
immersive experience with unexpected twists

Maybe skip if you

seekers of mellow tunes
prefer straightforward songwriting

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1986, It – The Album was Alien Sex Fiend's third studio effort, following their breakthrough record, Who's Been Sleeping in My Brain? in 1985. At this point, the band had established themselves as a key player in the UK goth scene, continuing to push boundaries with their unique sound and theatricality.
Stylistic neighbors: Bauhaus· Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Sisters of Mercy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Manic Depression

The verses shift from frenetic imagery to moments of introspection, capturing a turbulent emotional landscape.

This structural variation illustrates the duality of chaos and calm, reflecting the song's thematic exploration of mental instability.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Smells Like... 5:48
2 Manic Depression 13:04
3 Believe It or Not 4:48
4 April Showers / Wop-Bop... 9:12
5 Get Into It 3:42
6 Lesson One 3:37
7 Do It Right 5:05
8 To Be Continued... 0:42
9 Buggin' Me 3:39
10 Hurricane Fighter Plane 6:48
11 It Lives Again 3:46

What to play next

Listen next

The First Compact Disc

1986

Go back to

Maximum Security

1985

Full Alien Sex Fiend discography Artists like Alien Sex Fiend

gothic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata