Formed in 1990 and hailing from Dublin, Compulsion consisted of Josephmary (vocals), Garret Lee (guitar), Sid Rainey (bass), and Jan Alkema (drums). Their music blended grunge’s gritty textures with the rebellious spirit of punk, delivering a sound that was as infectious as it was confrontational. Their lyrics explored themes of suburban ennui in an aggressive yet detached idiosyncrasy, critiquing the warped cruelty often underlying the sober face of middle-class society. With influences ranging from The Pixies to Buzzcocks, their music encapsulated the urgency and angst of the era earning them plaudits from across the tastemaker music press.

The band released a series of well-received EPs before dropping their acclaimed debut album, ‘Comforter’, in 1994, featuring standout tracks like ‘Mall Monarchy’ and ‘Basketcase’. Their follow-up album, ‘The Future Is Medium’, released in 1996, showcased a more polished yet equally potent sound.

Though Compulsion disbanded in 1997 their legacy is one of uncompromising energy and a knack for capturing the chaotic pulse of their time. With a cult following and a catalogue that still feels fresh, Compulsion remains a hidden gem of the 90s alternative explosion.

Tracklist:

1. Rapejacket
2. Basketcase
3. Mall Monarchy
4. Ariadne
5. Late Again
6. Air-Raid For The Neighbours
7. Yancy Dangerfield’s Delusions
8. Lovers
9. I Am John’s Brain
10. Bad Cooking
11. Dick, Dale, Rick and Ricky
12. Domestique
13. On My Fool Life
14. Jean Could Be Wrong
15. Find Time
16. Easterman
17. Ninefourth
18. Purring Not Laughing
19. Accident Ahead
20. Yabba Yabba Yes Yes Yes
21. Crying
22. How Do I Breathe?
23. Eating
24. Here Comes Ambrose Beasley
25. Security
26. Why Do We Care?
27. Plan
28. Pink and Forty Nine
29. Little Miss Whirlwind
30. Little Marks
31. F. Byron Farnsworth