NEXT MONTH OVERGROUND Records release The System… Is Still Murder, a limited edition vinyl retrospective compilation by The System.
The album brings together material from the band’s single releases, their contribution to the Wargasm compilation and demo sessions that were included in an earlier CD release by the label.
A run of 500 copies, pressed on coloured vinyl and including an insert history of the band by Andy Coward, will be released on 27 January 2023.
The System… Is Still Murder is available for pre-order from the Overground Records site.
The System formed In Wigan, Lancashire in January 1980, a fusion of two local punk bands.
Rebellious from the start, one of their first gigs on 29th July 1981 caused outrage when they played their local pub’s car park whilst many residents were celebrating Charles and Di’s royal wedding. The local vicar ensured that the police pulled the plug.
It was hearing Crass and seeing them live that influenced the band to move in a more ‘anarcho-punk’ direction. Soon they had linked up with other like-minded bands and after playing with Flux of Pink Indians were invited to join Flux’s Spiderleg Records. Two singles were released in 1982 Dogs Of War and The System Is Murder and the two bands toured together. They also appeared on the Wargasm compilation album with Dead Kennedys, Captain Sensible, Mau Maus and others.
A friendship with Crass developed with The System organising two gigs for them in Wigan and Crass turned up unannounced at a System gig, and borrowing their gear, began playing new material to a stunned audience.
The System split in November 1983 and reformed for a McLibel benefit gig in 1998 and again briefly in 2015.
This album compiles tracks from their singles, their Wargasm appearance and demo recordings that were previously available on the long sold-out CD version released by Overground Records in 2005. The full colour insert features a detailed band history and photos courtesy of Andy Coward.
Track Listing:
Overground Records
Dogs Of War / Their Corrupting Ways / Nervous Breakdown / Under Cover Agent For The S.A.S. / Let’s Be Free / Born To Lose / Identity / White Youth / We Don’t Wanna Fight Their Wars / Thought Control / Their Decisions / Prisoner / Repetition / In The System
The Hippies Now Wear Black 