JOSEF K - The Only Fun In Town 2LP

Limited edition of 500 copies on double black 180 gram vinyl.

Highly recommended.

Josef K are among the vast group of late 70s and early 80s post punk that were and remain fairly unknown within the genre. Upon hearing The Only Fun In Town, this becomes extremely hard to believe. Josef K’s debut exudes an energy and atmosphere so typical of the times that their mainstream failure is beyond surprising; their jangly riffs, post punk soundscapes and just general new wave-esque performance quirks make them fit in with their perhaps more popular contemporaries effortlessly.

The danceability and catchiness of this release is an elevating factor of the entire tracklist, as different songwriting ideas can be heard crammed into one minuscule 30 minute record. It is almost disappointing this band stayed very much under the radar as their skill for musicianship and interplay is evident on this record, with their influence, of which can still certainly be heard within today’s post punk output, is wholly undeniable. Overall, The Only Fun In Town is a severely under-appreciated album and offers an instantly enjoyable and recognisably early 80s post punk listening experience.

"Franz Ferdinand owes them royalty cheques."