Dark Matters (The Stranglers album)

Dark Matters was recorded at Courtyard Studio in Oxfordshire and produced by the band with Louie Nicastro. The sessions took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which allowed the band to work in isolation and experiment with a more atmospheric sound. The album is dedicated to the memory of Dave Greenfield, the band's keyboardist who died in May 2020 from COVID-19, and his absence is felt throughout, with Burnel and guitarist Baz Warne handling many of the keyboard parts.¹

The album features contributions from several guest musicians, including violinist Anne Stephenson and cellist Audrey Riley, who had previously worked with the band. The recording process was described by Burnel as "cathartic," as the band dealt with the loss of Greenfield and the impending retirement of drummer Jet Black, who had been in declining health.

The album's sound is a return to the band's early punk and new wave roots, with a modern production sheen. Tracks like "This Song" and "The Last Men on the Moon" feature the driving basslines and angular guitar work that defined the band's classic era, while "And That You Dare" and "The Monster" explore darker, more atmospheric territory. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of mortality, loss, and the passage of time, reflecting the band's status as elder statesmen of punk.

Burnel's vocals are more prominent than on recent albums, and his distinctive bass playing is at the forefront of the mix. The album also includes the spoken-word piece "White Stallion," which features a poem by Burnel, and the closing track "Breathe," which is a poignant tribute to Greenfield.

Dark Matters was released to widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising it as a return to form. It debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, making it the band's first chart-topping album in their 47-year career. The album also charted in several other European countries, including Germany and France.

Critics highlighted the band's ability to remain relevant while staying true to their sound. The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2022, though it did not win. The band supported the album with a UK tour in late 2021, which was their first without Jet Black on drums.²

One of the album's more obscure tracks, "The Last Men on the Moon," was inspired by the Apollo 17 mission and features samples of actual NASA audio transmissions. The band had originally planned to release a double album, but trimmed it down to a single disc due to time constraints. The cover art, which depicts a dark, abstract landscape, was created by long-time collaborator John Pasche, who also designed the Rolling Stones' tongue logo.³

In a nod to their early days, the band recorded a version of the album's lead single "This Song" with a full orchestra, which was released as a limited edition 12-inch single. The album's title was suggested by Burnel, who took it from a phrase in the lyrics of "The Monster."⁴

All tracks written by Jean-Jacques Burnel, Baz Warne, and Jim Macaulay, except where noted.

• "Water" – 3:28
• "This Song" – 3:42
• "The Last Men on the Moon" – 4:15
• "And That You Dare" – 3:58
• "The Monster" – 4:05
• "White Stallion" – 2:57
• "Breathe" – 4:12
• "Payday" – 3:30
• "I've Been Wild" – 3:45
• "The Lines" – 3:20
• "In the End" – 4:02

Coursegood

The record label that released Dark Matters, an independent label founded by the band.

Jet Black

Original drummer of The Stranglers, who retired due to health issues before the album's release.

Dave Greenfield

Keyboardist of The Stranglers, who died in 2020; the album is dedicated to him.