It’s been 43 years since the release of The Selecter’s seminal debut album Too Much Pressure and while it still inspires and resonates today, their new studio album Human Algebra keeps the fire burning with a stellar collection of hard-hitting tracks in the band’s own inimitable style. Human Algebra, released April 21st, is a word from the wise – from questioning ‘fake news’ (“Big Little Lies”), to pointing the finger at keyboard warriors (“Armchair Guevara”), and the scourge of knife crime (“Human Algebra”). Human relationships are also touched upon (“Boxing Clever”), along with a touching tribute to the late great Ranking Roger from The Beat (“Parade The Crown”).
As ever, The Selecter are led by their iconic frontwoman Pauline Black OBE and co-fronted by original member Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson with original drummer Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge. Human Algebra is produced by Neil Pyzer, who also contributes Sax, Guitar and keyboards. The rest of the band feature John Robertson on Guitar, Lee Horsley on organ and Andy Pearson on bass duties. The Selecter
The Selecter: Human Algebra
To music-lovers of the era, The Selecter are known as part of the 2-Tone ska explosion which blew up as the 1970s turned into the 1980s. The Selecter were right in the middle of that, their eponymous song on the B-side of The Specials’ debut single “Gangsters”, and their own singles, notably “On My Radio” and “Three Minute Hero”, there right at the start.
What will be more surprising to most is that they’ve been almost consistently producing music since. This is their 16th studio album.
Frontwoman Pauline Black has become an iconic figure in her own right, a polymath, awarded an OBE last year for services to music. The Selecter remain at the centre of what she does, alongside original members “Gaps” Hendrickson and “Aitch” Bembridge. They recently toured their underrated second album, 1981’s Celebrate the Bullet (which tanked at the time due to its title), but immediately return with Human Algebra, tackling meaty subject matter to a lilting ska backing. The Artsdesk
Audio CD:
Vinyl:
Product Dimensions : 4.92 x 5.59 x 0.39 inches; 3.1 Ounces
Manufacturer : Dmf Music
Original Release Date : 2023
Label : Dmf Music
ASIN : B0BWCDY329
Number of discs : 1