This is definitely the most underrated ANWL album, but maybe their best? It was recorded in '86 after some lineup changes and released against the band's wishes in '87. Their label (then GWR) refused to finance the record's completion after hearing the direction they were going in and released it unfinished to try to recoup some of the costs, which led to the band breaking up. It's certainly more experimental and musically far ranging than their typical loutish fare. Most people know "On the Waterfront" with its noodly saxophone interlude. The rest of the album features synthesizers, piano, and a chorus that appears to be composed of children.
The best songs are "Crime," a synthy sing-along about some sort of dystpoian warriors and "The Shinning" which is uplifting, shimmery, and danceable.
Things get weird on tracks like "(I Don't Believe) This is my England" (a real ballad and not bad for it!) and especially "Working For The Company" with its clanking beat and spoken vocals. "Atomic Harvest" is another stand out. It's definitely worth checking out and can usually be picked up for cheap.
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