The Sound were one of the early pioneers of post-punk and Coldwave. Essentially a vehicle for Adrian Borland, they were signed to Korova Records in 1979, a minor label that was part of Warner Brothers. Their debut album, Jeopardy, received good reviews but The Sound were never destined to break into the mainstream. Four more albums followed - each slightly different than the other – but always sharing a hard-edged guitar, atmospheric synth and biting lyrics.
By the time The Sound broke up in 1987, Adrian Borland was suffering from depression. At that time the lyrics were becoming even darker and the music more schizophrenic. The frustrations of his musical career could have easily contributed to his mental condition. After a few solo albums, Adrian sadly committed suicide in 1999 by throwing himself in front of an express train at Wimbledon Station.
From the Lion’s Mouth is their second album that was released in 1981. It has a similar sound to early Echo and the Bunnymen and The Chameleons. Echo eventually swerved into pop music and the Chameleons into driving guitar, but The Sound was more chilling and cerebral. All of their five albums – Jeopardy, From the Lion’s Mouth, All Fall Down, Heads & Hearts and Thunder Up - though hard to get, are worth the price of admission.
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