On this day August 21 1981, Sleep No More by The Comsat Angels was released, marking a major step forward in the band’s sound and vision. As their second album, it moved beyond their debut with a deeper, darker atmosphere built around layered guitars, urgent rhythms, and introspective lyrics.
Sleep No More stood out in the early 80s post punk scene for its haunting tone and tightly constructed songwriting. The band created a mood that was at once restrained and intense, giving the record a cinematic quality that drew in listeners and critics alike. Songs like Eye of the Lens and Be Brave showed a band gaining confidence in both their message and their musical identity.
Though it did not chart high commercially, the album earned lasting respect and is still seen as one of the most significant and influential works of its genre. It helped establish The Comsat Angels as one of the most quietly important bands of the decade.
80s insight: This album showed how post punk bands could create atmosphere and depth without sacrificing urgency or emotion.
Sleep No More stood out in the early 80s post punk scene for its haunting tone and tightly constructed songwriting. The band created a mood that was at once restrained and intense, giving the record a cinematic quality that drew in listeners and critics alike. Songs like Eye of the Lens and Be Brave showed a band gaining confidence in both their message and their musical identity.
Though it did not chart high commercially, the album earned lasting respect and is still seen as one of the most significant and influential works of its genre. It helped establish The Comsat Angels as one of the most quietly important bands of the decade.
80s insight: This album showed how post punk bands could create atmosphere and depth without sacrificing urgency or emotion.
