Sleaford Mods have unveiled two previously unheard tracks, “Git Some Balls” and “Air Con,” ahead of the 10th anniversary reissue of their album “Divide & Exit,” set for release on July 26. “Git Some Balls” was written and recorded during the original sessions for the album but didn’t make the final cut. Jason Williamson, the band’s vocalist, described the track as “one of those studio floor clippings that we didn’t feel quite hit the mark at the time, but today sounds great.” The track is now available for streaming and will also feature on a one-off flexi-disc included with limited edition copies of the reissue.
Williamson explained that the band had a clear vision for “Divide & Exit” and felt that “Git Some Balls” didn’t fit at the time. However, he noted that revisiting old tracks often reveals their hidden potential. “What’s weird is that the rejects always sound wicked when you revisit them, as good as the stuff that got through to form the album, which says a lot about the way we work and where our heads were at the time,” he said. Reflecting on the band’s unique position in the music scene a decade ago, he added, “There wasn’t anyone in the country doing what we were doing at that point, it feels like it was 30 years ago, but it’s only been 10. Mad as fuck.”
The reissue of “Divide & Exit” will also include “Air Con,” a reworking of their previous track “Air Conditioning.” This expanded edition aims to celebrate the album’s impact and the band’s evolution over the past decade. Williamson compared “Divide & Exit” to their earlier work, “Austerity Dogs,” which he described as “barked a directionless yet solid form of anger.” In contrast, he believes “Divide & Exit” carried a more focused form of class consciousness. “After the release of ‘Austerity Dogs’ we realised we had seemingly created a formula. Andrew [Fearn] just took the formula and ran with it and his music started to sound much more compact and urgent. Listening to it now, ‘Divide and Exit’ is perhaps the most punk record we have done,” he said.
The 10th anniversary reissue will feature new sleeve notes written by Williamson and a reprint of The Wire’s 2014 interview with the band, conducted by the late Mark Fisher. A CD version of the album, featuring artwork from Cold War Steve, will be available exclusively from Sleaford Mods and Rough Trade Records online shops. Additionally, the new cover will be featured on a one-off t-shirt available from the band’s web store, with all proceeds being donated to War Child UK.
Sleaford Mods recently performed at Glastonbury 2024, where they appeared less than impressed with their audience. Despite this, the band continues to push forward, with the reissue of “Divide & Exit” serving as a testament to their enduring influence and unique sound. The reissue will be available for pre-order, and fans can look forward to the release on July 26.
The band will also embark on a UK tour in November to celebrate the anniversary of “Divide & Exit,” playing the album in full. The tour dates are as follows:
– November 19, 2024 – Sheffield, The Leadmill
– November 20, 2024 – Edinburgh, La Belle Angèle
– November 21, 2024 – Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Northumbria
– November 23, 2024 – Liverpool, The Florrie
– November 26, 2024 – Lincoln, The Drill
– November 28, 2024 – Exeter, The Lemon Grove
– November 29, 2024 – Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms
– November 30, 2024 – Nottingham, Bodega
Tickets for the tour are on sale now, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early. The release of “Git Some Balls” and “Air Con” adds another layer to the band’s already rich discography, offering fans a glimpse into the creative process behind one of their most significant albums.
Sleaford Mods’ most recent album, “UK Grim,” was released in 2023, continuing their tradition of blending sharp social commentary with minimalist electronic beats. As they prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Divide & Exit,” the release of these previously unheard tracks serves as a reminder of the band’s enduring relevance and innovative spirit.
Source: Jon Stickler, Simon Parfrement
