"Always Now" is a seminal album by the British post-punk band Section 25, here presented in the CD format by the respected independent label Factory Benelux. Originally emerging from the vibrant early '80s scene, "Always Now" captures the stark, atmospheric tension between guitar-driven post-punk and nascent electronic experimentation. Angular riffs, propulsive bass lines and sparse, hypnotic rhythms combine with introspective vocals to create a sound that is both minimalist and emotionally charged. The album moves between brooding, slow-burning pieces and more urgent, rhythm-focused tracks, offering a cohesive listening experience that rewards close attention as well as repeated plays. This CD edition is aimed at listeners who appreciate the darker, more artful edge of post-punk and early alternative music, and who value the historical continuity between guitar bands and later electronic developments.
Section 25 are known as one of the more adventurous groups associated with the original Factory Records milieu, often cited as cult favourites within post-punk and early electronic circles. Over the years, their work has been praised for its stark production, emotional depth and forward-looking use of rhythm and texture. The band gradually evolved from raw, guitar-centric arrangements into a more electronic and dance-influenced sound, helping to bridge the gap between post-punk austerity and the rise of club-oriented alternative music. Their catalogue has been repeatedly rediscovered by new generations of listeners who appreciate their understated influence and innovative spirit.
Factory Benelux, the manufacturer of this CD edition, is a long-standing independent label closely connected to the legacy of the original Factory label. Known for carefully curated reissues and select new releases, Factory Benelux specialises in preserving important works from the post-punk, new wave and alternative scenes, often with a strong attention to sound quality and packaging. By issuing titles such as "Always Now", Factory Benelux continues to make historically significant yet sometimes overlooked recordings accessible to contemporary audiences, underlining the enduring relevance of this era's music.