The The UK

Citing influences from  Syd Barrett to Throbbing Gristle, songwriter Matt Johnson has incorporated many styles and textures into the music of his band The The. For the sake of simplicity, however, a useful marquee description would be infectious yet intelligent dance pop. The band formed in 1979 and boasts a complicated history featuring some eighteen temporary members. Add in an even greater number of collaborators and one begins to appreciate the diverse roster of musicians contributing to the vision of Matt Johnson.

The The first found success with debut album Soul Mining (1983), the subsequent trio of albums each achieving greater success in Johnson’s native Britain. Dusk, released in 1993, did very well in many other countries as well (though best in the UK where it reached #2). In addition to The The, Johnson has written music for films and even created a short wave radio programme to explore his music projects and canvas social issues.

Touring in 2018, Johnson announced a live The The album for 2021 release. The Comeback Special was recorded at London’s Royal Albert Hall and appears in several formats, including a film and an art book.