Compulsion - The Future Is Medium (Extended)

Formed in 1990 and hailing from Dublin, Compulsion consisted of Josephmary (vocals), Garret Lee (guitar), Sid Rainey (bass), and Jan Alkema (drums). Their music blended grunge’s gritty textures with the rebellious spirit of punk, delivering a sound that was as infectious as it was confrontational. Their lyrics explored themes of suburban ennui in an aggressive yet detached idiosyncrasy, critiquing the warped cruelty often underlying the sober face of middle-class society. With influences ranging from The Pixies to Buzzcocks, their music encapsulated the urgency and angst of the era earning them plaudits from across the tastemaker music press.

The band released a series of well-received EPs before dropping their acclaimed debut album, ‘Comforter’, in 1994, featuring standout tracks like ‘Mall Monarchy’ and ‘Basketcase’. Their follow-up album, ‘The Future Is Medium’, released in 1996, showcased a more polished yet equally potent sound.

Though Compulsion disbanded in 1997 their legacy is one of uncompromising energy and a knack for capturing the chaotic pulse of their time. With a cult following and a catalogue that still feels fresh, Compulsion remains a hidden gem of the 90s alternative explosion.

Tracklist:

1. All We Heard Was A Dull Thud
2. Question Time For The Poles
3. Juvenile Scene Detective
4. It’s Great
5. They’re Breeding The Grey Things Again
6. Fast Songs
7. Western Culture Collector
8. Happy Monsters
9. Belly Laugh
10. Is This Efficient Living?
11. Down The Edifice
12. Happy Ending
13. Burst
14. Uniformity Is Go!
15. Lost On Abbey Road
16. Spotlight Into Space
17. Me