Misadventure by Knopov's Political Package: A New Wave Oddity Worth Your Time
Let’s get one thing straight—1980 wasn’t exactly short on rock albums. But Misadventure, the quirky brainchild of UK-based Knopov's Political Package, stands out like a neon jacket at a funeral. Released under Streets Records, this New Wave gem is equal parts raw energy and offbeat charm. It's not perfect (spoiler alert: no album ever is), but damn if it doesn’t leave an impression.
First up, let’s talk about “You’re In The Army Now.” No, not the cheesy cover version you’ve heard blaring in dodgy pubs—this original cut hits different. With Wayne Hussey shredding guitar riffs that sound like they were born in a smoky basement rehearsal space, and Alan Peters blowing his lungs out on both harmonica AND trumpet, the track feels chaotic yet oddly cohesive. You can almost picture Paul Barlow bashing those drums with reckless abandon while bassist Paul Curran keeps everyone grounded. Lyrically? It’s less recruitment poster, more “what-the-hell-did-I-sign-up-for” existential crisis. And yeah, maybe I’m biased because who doesn’t love a song that makes you question life choices?
Then there’s the title track, “Misadventure.” This tune slaps harder than a soggy fish during a seaside holiday. Produced by D. Knopov himself (who also handles vocals like he’s narrating a slightly unhinged bedtime story), it’s got layers of sass and swagger. The production quality isn’t gonna win any Grammys—it’s clear Rick “Zoom” Brobyn was having a field day experimenting—but somehow that rough-around-the-edges vibe works. Like when your mate shows up wearing mismatched socks but pulls it off anyway. Props to Max for plating… uh, wait, plating? Did someone accidentally hire a chef instead of a mastering engineer? Either way, the final result has bite.
What sticks with me most about these tracks—and honestly, the whole album—is how unapologetically weird they are. There’s no pandering here, no desperate attempt to fit into whatever mold was trendy back then. Instead, Misadventure marches to its own beat, occasionally tripping over itself but always getting back up again.
So why should you care about some obscure 1980 release from across the pond? Because sometimes music doesn’t need to be polished or predictable to resonate. Sometimes it just needs guts, grit, and a guy playing two instruments at once like his life depends on it. Oh, and did I mention Wayne Hussey later joined The Mission? Yeah, bet you didn’t see THAT coming.
Final thought: If Misadventure were a person, it’d probably be the eccentric uncle who tells wild stories at family gatherings, half of which might not even be true. Love it or hate it, you won’t forget it anytime soon.
