To say that the Mekons are a national institution would be something on an understatement. Formed in 1976 as an art collective, they were at the birth of the UK’s nascent punk movement, yet whilst many of their peers soon burnt themselves out on their own frenetic energy, the Mekons had a fluidity that suggested they’d stand the test of time. And here they are, half a century later, still pushing at the boundaries of what music can be and remaining a thorn in the side of the establishment. Back in 2025, the band released Horror, a diverse album that was a damning indictment on the precarious nature of the world and now that album gets a re-release with bonus disc Horrorble (Mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference) to perfectly illustrate why the Mekons remain a potent force.

Part of the reason why the Mekons have stood the test of time is their refusal to be painted into a corner. Most would categorise them as a punk band, yet that doesn’t do justice to the vast scope of their sound, nor does the endless possibilities offered by post-punk. Part of the joy in spinning a new Mekons album is never knowing in what guise the band will appear, and Horror was no exception, as the band shapeshifted over a course of a dozen tracks. To always expect the unexpected is a good maxim to bear in mind, and the smooth flow between the styles gives Horror an organic feel, as if it is a living and breathing entity. So when the Mekons employ a reggae beat to critique the British Empire on opening track ‘The Western Design’, it makes perfect sense. I guess you could describe the Mekons as world musicians, insofar as nothing is really off their radar, and as such Horror is a kaleidoscopic affair that is stitched together by its own eclecticism. With different band members taking vocals on different songs, that feeling of perpetual motion is further enhanced, and whilst Horror is barely a year old, the likes of ‘A Horse Has Escaped’, ensure it’ll sound fresh many years hence.

The Mekons association with Tony Maimone dates back to 1988 and an American tour with Pere Ubu. Tony would end up performing with a later incarnation of the Mekons, so he’s qualified more than most rework Horror. The great thing about this disc is that he has really stamped his personality on proceedings; in addition to the revised track listing, Tony has brought subtle nuances to the fore that were buried on the original, meaning that these songs do behave in new and strange ways. It renders Horrorble both a companion to Horror, but also an album that will stand on its own as an individual piece of work. Horrorble is seen through a different pair of eyes (and ears) and will undoubtedly please Mekons fans, but is strong enough to attract new listeners to the fold. Case in point being ‘Mudcrawlers’, now furnished with vocals by Benji Webb (Skindred, Dub War), it’s spun around 360-degrees and placed in a whole new context, which is surely the only way to rework an album.

Far from being Horrorble, these discs are a feast for the ears.

• Horror / Horrorble is released via Fire Records on 5th June 2026.

Horror Track List:

1. The Western Design
2. Sad And Sad And Sad
3. Glasgow
4. Fallen Leaves
5. War Economy
6. Mudcrawlers
7. A horse Has Escaped
8. Private Defence Contractor
9. Sanctuary
10. Surrender
11. You’re Not Singing Anymore
12. Before The Ice Age

Horrorble Track List:

1. Before The Ice Age
2. Sad And Sad And Sad
3. War Economy
4. A Horse Has Escaped
5. The Western Design
6. Glasgow
7. You’re Not Singing Anymore
8. Private Defence Contractor
9. Sanctuary
10. Surrender
11. Mudcrawlers (feat. Benji Webb)
12. Fallen Leaves

Bonus Track:

13. Dub Crawlers