This is the solo project of British multi-instrumentalist songwriter and lyricist Alan Brown, well known as frontman of Manchester agit-postpunk icons BIG FLAME. His legacy as an underground artist dates back to 1983. Featured on the influential C86 NME cassette with BIG FLAME, Brown also recorded nine John Peel sessions for BBC Radio One with BIG FLAME (4), The Great Leap Forward (2), A Witness (2) and Inca Babies (1).
Since BIG FLAME’s split in 1986, Brown has channeled his work as The Great Leap Forward, writing all songs and lyrics, as well as playing and programming all instruments on recordings.
The new LP features Brown’s trademark political digs and social commentary, with incisive political and social commentary layered over sharp yet melodic guitar pop – plus a touch of electro and humour thrown in for good measure.
Earlier, he previewed the title track ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ with video by Richard Gardner, railing against mass consumerism and media control.
“The culmination of four year’s writing, this album has a more varied approach than previous releases. Whereas previously I’ve concentrated on a political approach, this album takes a wider view of the world – perhaps it’s an age thing – last year (2020) saw me reach a milestone birthday which I explore in the song ‘Can You Kanreki?’, celebrating the Japanese concept of second childhood and re-birth for those hitting 60,” says Alan Brown.
“Of course I still provide the trademark political and social vignettes – how could I not – such as the title song of the album ‘Revolt Against An Age Of Plenty’ – named after a collection of works by the English writer Jack Common in which I rail against mass consumerism and media control.”
The Great Leap Forward debuted with the ‘Controlling The Edges Of Tone’ EP in 1987, followed by 1988’s ‘A Peck On The Cheek À La Politique’ EP, described by the NME as “conspicuously excellent” and the 12-inch single ‘Who Works The Weather?’
1988’s debut album ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of Change’ was praised by The Guardian, Melody Maker and other leading magazines, leading to UK and Europe tours with the likes of That Petrol Emotion. In 2007, The Great Leap Forward reformed, releasing albums ‘Finished Unfinished Business’ (2008) and ‘This Is Our Decade of Living Cheaply and Getting By’ in (2012).
Released on July 30, the ‘Revolt Against An Age of Plenty’ LP is available as a coloured double-vinyl gatefold LP and gatefold CD with 16-page lyrics booklet. It is also everywhere online, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
