Mesh | 'The Point At Which It Falls Apart' : remastered reissue of 1999 album by UK dark/alternative electronic act out 22.11.24

It is back! UK dark/alternative electronic act Mesh are making their long out of print and much sought after second album, ‘The Point At Which It Falls Apart, available again. Originally released in 1999 and marking an artistic, critical and commercial breakthrough, the reissue has been meticulously remastered by renowned German producer Olaf Wollschläger and also comes in a spectacular artbook format with extensive bonus materials and an album length second CD.

"I am very proud and excited to see this album re-released with stunning new (and yet familiar) artwork and with such a pristine sounding remaster," states lead singer and guitarist Mark Hockings. "This has been a long time coming. For those that heard the album the first time around, I hope it brings back some powerful memories, as it has for me. For those that are hearing it for the first time, I wish I could share that experience with you.”

Concurring, bandmate Richard Silverthorn (keyboards, co-vocals) adds: "For me, this album marked a period where we found a sound that is immediately identifiable as us. We were deeply into using sampling technology, creating and recording drum loops, ambient atmospheres and guitar parts. Our pick for the first single from this reissue, 'Needle In A Bruise’, is an excellent example of this, as it sits comfortably between being an emotional electronic piece through the verses and then opens up with layered guitars in the chorus that turns it into an anthemic rock track.”

Mesh was formed in 1991 when Hockings and Silverthorn found friendship and common musical ground. Their partnership has defined the group’s enduring legacy ever since, a creative synergy emerging from a complementary distribution of roles; Silverthorn composing the music, with Hockings penning evocative and profound lyrics, infusing depth and emotion into their soundscapes. The duo were soon joined by Neil Taylor (keyboards), who had played in another band with Silverthorn.

They issued an EP entitled ‘Fragile’ in 1994 and a full-length debut effort, ‘In This Place Forever’, two years later. The 1999 release of ‘The Point At Which It Falls Apart’ led to a major label deal in Germany for ‘Who Watches Over Me’ (2002), propelling the trio further into the limelight. A surge of popularity across mainland Europe led to chart success and prestige festival billings, while a subsequent collaboration with former Depeche Mode producer Gareth Jones for ‘We Collide’ (2006) further solidified their status.

Adapting to line-up changes, the core duo maintained their momentum, augmenting live performances with drummer Sean Suleman and additional live keyboardists. They also strengthened their presence globally, especially in the Americas, with ‘Automation Baby’ (2013) and ‘Looking Skyward’ (2016) seeing them climb to even greater heights, the latter peaking just outside the Top Ten on the German album chart. Meanwhile, demonstrating artistic versatility, they collaborated with a classical orchestra at the 'Gothic meets Klassik' festival in 2015.

Continuing their musical evolution, they welcomed Vaughn George into their live line-up in spring 2023 and are currently in the process of writing their next studio album. The sumptuous remastered reissue of ‘The Point At Which It Falls Apart’ provides the perfect stopgap, quarter of a century on from its initial release.