On December 11, 2026, 4AD will release a 40th-anniversary edition of Throwing Muses’ debut album. Long out of print, the album returns with audio remastered by Kevin Vanbergen and the original artwork by Chris Bigg of the renowned v23 studio.
Originally released in 1986, the self-titled album introduced the American band consisting of Kristin Hersh, Tanya Donelly, Leslie Langston, and David Narcizo. With abrupt shifts in tempo, cutting guitars, and intense lyrics, the album helped solidify the group’s identity on the American alternative rock scene. The album was produced by Gil Norton, who would later gain prominence for his work with the Pixies.
Ivo Watts-Russell, co-founder of 4AD, recalled the impression he had upon hearing the cassette tape independently released by the band:
“I listened three or four times in a row. There was something so exciting about them – reminded me of The Birthday Party – the energy the lyrics. The music was hard and aggressive, but the more you lived with it, the more their beauty came through.”
As the first American band to sign with 4AD, Throwing Muses marked a significant shift in direction for the British label, which until then had been strongly associated with UK post-punk and gothic rock. The collaboration with the group also led Watts-Russell to discover the Pixies, expanding the presence of American alternative rock in the label’s catalog. This network of artists would later expand to include bands like The Breeders and Belly, both linked to Tanya Donelly’s career.
The anniversary edition will be available in digital format, on CD, and on black vinyl, as well as a limited run on dark red (oxblood) vinyl.
Tracklist
“Call Me”
“Green”
“Hate My Way”
“Vicky’s Box”
“Rabbits Dying”
“America (She Can’t Say No)”
“Fear”
“Stand Up”
“Soul Soldier”
“Delicate Cutters”
