The Great Leap Forward unveils ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ LP after a decade hiatus
3 min read
The Great Leap Forward presents ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’, his first album in nine years. The solo project of Alan Brown of Manchester agit-postpunk icons BIG FLAME, the long-player will be available as a coloured double-vinyl gatefold LP via Europe’s A Turntable Friend Records and also be available for digital download and on gatefold CD with 16-page lyrics booklet.
The video for ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ offered a vibrant taste of this vigorous, scintillating and life-affirming 13-track album. Railing against mass consumerism and media control, the accompanying video and imagery was created by Richard Gardner.
British multi-instrumentalist songwriter and lyricist, Alan Brown’s legacy as an underground artist has been apparent since 1983. Featured on the influential C86 NME cassette with BIG FLAME, Brown also recorded nine John Peel sessions for BBC Radio One with BIG FLAME (4), The Great Leap Forward (2), A Witness (2) and Inca Babies (1).
Since BIG FLAME’s split in 1986, Brown has channeled his work as The Great Leap Forward, writing all songs and lyrics, as well as playing and programming all instruments on recordings.
The new LP features Brown’s trademark political digs and social commentary, with incisive political and social commentary layered over sharp yet melodic guitar pop – plus a touch of electro and humour thrown in for good measure. Not surprisingly, the name ‘Revolt Against An Age Of Plenty’ was lifted from an article by one of Brown’s favourite social commentators and writers, Jack Common, whose works has inspired him for decades.
“The culmination of four year’s writing, this album has a more varied approach than previous releases. Whereas previously I’ve concentrated on a political approach, this album takes a wider view of the world – perhaps it’s an age thing – last year (2020) saw me reach a milestone birthday which I explore in the song ‘Can You Kanreki?’, celebrating the Japanese concept of second childhood and re-birth for those hitting 60,” says Alan Brown.
“Of course I still provide the trademark political and social vignettes – how could I not – such as the title song of the album ‘Revolt Against An Age Of Plenty’ – named after a collection of works by the English writer Jack Common in which I rail against mass consumerism and media control.”
The Great Leap Forward debuted with the ‘Controlling The Edges Of Tone’ EP in 1987, followed by 1988’s ‘A Peck On The Cheek À La Politique’ EP, described by the NME as “conspicuously excellent” and the 12-inch single ‘Who Works The Weather?’
1988’s debut album ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of Change’ was praised by The Guardian, Melody Maker and other leading magazines, leading to UK and Europe tours with the likes of That Petrol Emotion. In 2007, The Great Leap Forward reformed, releasing albums ‘Finished Unfinished Business’ (2008) and ‘This Is Our Decade of Living Cheaply and Getting By’ in (2012).
As of July 30, the ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ LP will be available on all formats. Apart from streaming platforms like Spotify and online stores such as Apple Music, it can also be obtained via Bandcamp at https://thegreatleapforward.bandcamp.com/album/revolt-against-an-age-of-plenty
CREDITS
Mixed, produced & mastered at Otterhead Studios UK by Ant Chapman & Alan Brown
Alan Brown – vocals, guitars, bass, drums and synth programming, lyrics / peasant poetry
Ant Chapman – extra Kraut Rock synths
Album artwork by Ian Cheeseright, Simon Williams & Alan Brown
Video and imagery by Richard Gardner
Product distribution by SRD
Catalogue number: TURN77LP / TURN77CD
The Great Leap Forward on the net
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A Turntable Friend Records on the net
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*Article Photo Credit: Richard Gardner
