“The Products Of Our Own Demands And Commands” by Dolium is a rollercoaster into the huge lo-fi/post-punk sound that defined this band in the UK’s underground music scene. This 4-CD box set is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Sister 9 Recordings and it contains 76 tracks that are as raw and creative as the band was in its early days, the evolution of the band is well documented here.
The box set is a real treat for both old and new fans, placing Dolium’s entire discography next to some familiar tracks and some new recordings of their lost and never before released third album, “Brother Transistor”. Songs such as ‘Get Off On My Machine’ and ‘Transmission Impossible’ are somewhere in between, with the band stretching. Their melodies are very memorable, and the lyrics are so original that they are usually prone to be catchy as soon as one hears the first word. Dolium performs with a unique passion with their instruments. From the fuzzy guitar riffs and the pulsating bass lines to the powerful drumming, the music is aggressive and polished at the same time. Every track has a certain sense of being polished, while at the same time retaining a certain roughness that makes you remember the songs even after you are done listening to them.
Adding to the experience, the collection includes a 32-page booklet, full of artwork, photography, and stories from behind the scenes, provided by the band members themselves and their management. It’s a perfect way to dive deeper into Dolium’s world and understand what makes their music so impactful. If that wasn’t enough, Dolium are reforming with the original lineup to perform their first live show in over a decade on the 22nd November 2024 at The Hallamshire Hotel in Sheffield. Tickets: https://fatso.ma/0zgz
This label version has a way of dragging you back to those post-punk days and then comfortably nestling into the timeless nature of the music. From this low fidelity vocal leading man to raw energy, the instrumentation is just unbelievable. Each track seems to be meaningful and purposeful in some way. The tune remains in the mind, the words remain in the mouth, and the impression remains. This LTD Edition is definitely a must-listen for anyone who enjoys listening to raw, powerful music or for anyone who wants to listen to something that reminds them of the good old days while also giving them something new. Dolium has done something really special here, and it is worth all the attention it gets.
More details about the box set can be found over at Sister9.com.