The Pop Group have announced their first studio album in 35 years. Despite their reputation for experimental punk, the reunited band finished the LP with one of the biggest names in commercial pop music: producer Paul Epworth.
“[Paul] gave us the freedom to create and, with his help, destiny rides again for the Pop Group,” frontman Mark Stewart said in a statement. Although Epworth started his career making electronic music as Phones, he has spent recent years making records with Adele, Coldplay, Florence and the Machine and Bruno Mars. He and the Pop Group are mutual, long-term fans: Stewart calls Epworth “one of the world’s best producers”, and Epworth has cited the Pop Group’s 1979 debut as one of his all-time favourite albums.
“The energy [of the Pop Group] is still there, the ideas are still there, it still fizzes with a life that most young bands just don’t have,” Epworth said. Titled Citizen Zombie, the new LP was recorded at various locations before the band reconvened at Epworth’s studio in Crouch End, north London. “Even I am shocked by the album,” Stewart said. “It really flips the script.” The album’s thunderous-yet-loungey title track was released on 25 November via Soundcloud.
Formed in Bristol in 1979, the Pop Group released two full-lengths before splitting in 1981. A reunited lineup has been touring since 2010 and is scheduled to stage its first US tour next spring.
Citizen Zombie is scheduled for release by Freaks R Us on 23 February.
