Nature + Degree [FBN 135] | Section 25

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Section 25 \ Nature + Degree [FBN 135]

Nature + Degree is the sixth studio album from cult Factory Records group Section 25.

Self-produced in 2009, it was the first SXXV project to feature new members Stuart Hill and Stephen Stringer. Founder members Larry and Vin Cassidy are also joined on several tracks by Beth Cassidy, whose vocal style recalls that of her late mother Jenny on From the Hip and Love & Hate.

Stand-out songs include Garageland, Singularity, Remembrance and Saddled With Something - the latter burnished by a string quartet. The cover art references a design from 1933 by Alfredo Cavadini.

Issued on vinyl for the first time in 2023, this format is limited to 500 copies only pressed on magenta coloured vinyl. A bundle containing all 4 vinyl titles (FBN 130, 135, 140 and 145, plus a signed postcard and a bonus copy of the FBN 124 live package) is also available.

Vinyl tracklist:

A1. Pop Idol I
A2. Singularity
A3. Remembrance
A4. Garageland
A5. L'Arte du Math
B1. Attachment
B2. Saddled With Something
B3. Forty Days
B4. Mirror
B5. Agenda

CD + digital tracklist:

1. Pop Idol I
2. Singularity
3. Remembrance
4. Garageland
5. L'Arte du Math
6. Attachment
7. Saddled With Something
8. Forty Days
9. One Way Or Another
10. Mirror
11. Agenda
12. Pop Idol II

Available on CD, vinyl and digital (MP3 and FLAC). To order CD or vinyl please first select correct shipping option (UK, Europe, Rest of World) and then click on Add To Cart button below cover image. Digital copies are supplied to customers via link sent by email.

Or, you can order with the option of tracked shipping from our friends at Burning Shed (click here to order)

Reviews:

"Initially dogged in their pursuit of rhythm-driven gloom, Section 25 later became an indie-dance crossover act with a penchant for lilting melodies and warm electronics. It's a fusion of these two sounds that often inhabits their 21st century work, Nature + Degree boasting a similar underlying sense of desolation, but giving it a dance-infused edge" (Electronic Sound, 09/2023)

"All Factory groups now have a cult following and Section 25 have done more than many to deserve it. The electronic pop-rock sound is no longer novel, but on their second album of new material since 2007 the group turn in an album that's straightforward, sincere and musically ebullient" (The Wire, 08/2009)

"The natural follow-up to their 2007 album, yet still recalling the Factory legacy" (Brainwashed, 07/2009)

"Suddenly SXXV have discovered beauty all over again and have made an electronic-flavoured album without forgetting the intensity that put them where they are today - in a lot of people's hearts. Listen to the backhanded self-punishment displayed on L'Arte Du Math and you will see what I mean - it is probably the only song that sits with New Order's lyrical approach. Garageland is another bloody fine synth-hook song that would make a great single. Saddled With Something shows a plaintive side and an ear for production many bands would sell their bodies for - chuck some strings in and I'm hooked every time. Thing is, it works here. I really rate this album - they can never reach the heights achieved with the utterly tear-duct tickling From the Hip but this is genuinely their best since" (AllGigs.com, 06/2009)

"Nature + Degree is a remarkably fresh-sounding set of songs. Indeed, Remembrance, Attachment and the supremely catchy L'Arte Du Math are as pop as Section 25 have ever got. Garageland is dignified and melancholic, One Way or Another is three minutes of controlled anger, whilst the rough edges of Larry Cassidy's tongue are smoothed over by a beautiful string section for Saddled With Something. Mirror is the definite stand-out for me though; a very unusual and cleverly-constructed song which cleverly mixes Beth Cassidy's narrative with her own harmonies. After New Order's hugely disappointing last album, Section 25 have shown it is possible for Factory veterans to create something relevant and addictive for the modern age" (Leonard's Lair, 06/2009)

"Another strong album proving that the success of Part-Primitiv was no fluke" (Bullmoose, 08/2009)

"Enough good moments to prove that Section 25 are still as relevant today as they ever were" (Exclaim! 08/2009)

"Instead of the past this looks straight to the future - impossible not to love the voice of Bethany Cassidy" (Erba Della Strega, 11/2009)