These Nebraskans' first two albums,
Echelons
(1987) and
December
(1988), as well as their 1985 recordings released as the
In the Marshes
EP (1990), were reissued on CD during the 2000s. In 2013,
Captured Tracks
released this vinyl box with presumably the same mastering. Limited to 1,000 copies, the set contains each of the three releases -- none sold separately -- in its entirety, while
features the two additional songs, recorded in 1984 and 1987, that were added to the CD reissue. The albums are in individual sleeves, housed with a substantial booklet in a sturdy matte box -- certainly no disappointment for anyone familiar with the level of value placed on design and packaging by
Independent Project
, the band's original label. Anchored by
Jeffrey Runnings
' melodic bass and often pointed lyrics projected with sweetly anguished vocals, and yet coated in reverb almost as thickly as any band on
4AD
,
For Against
fused post-punk and dream pop like no one else. Their earliest recordings, gratifyingly recirculated here, are essential for any serious fan of
the Cure
's second and third albums,
the Sound
the Chameleons
, and
Kitchens of Distinction
. ~ Andy Kellman