On this day January 15 1983, Feline by The Stranglers was released, marking the band’s seventh studio album and a noticeable shift in sound and atmosphere. The record moved away from the raw aggression of their earlier punk era and leaned into a more European influenced style, incorporating acoustic textures, keyboards, and a refined melodic approach.
Feline reflected a transitional moment for The Stranglers during the early 1980s as they adapted to changing musical landscapes shaped by post punk and new wave experimentation. The album demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve, blending mood, sophistication, and restraint while still maintaining their distinct identity. Its release highlighted how established late 70s bands were redefining themselves to remain relevant in the new decade.
80s insight: The early 1980s pushed veteran bands to reinvent their sound as music became more atmospheric and stylistically diverse.
Feline reflected a transitional moment for The Stranglers during the early 1980s as they adapted to changing musical landscapes shaped by post punk and new wave experimentation. The album demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve, blending mood, sophistication, and restraint while still maintaining their distinct identity. Its release highlighted how established late 70s bands were redefining themselves to remain relevant in the new decade.
80s insight: The early 1980s pushed veteran bands to reinvent their sound as music became more atmospheric and stylistically diverse.
