"This is the winter darkness" was originally scheduled for release in the mid 1980's when the insane picnic were causing a stir in the underbelly of  the independent music scene and what was becoming known as cassette culture. Intended to be a vinyl LP but unfortunately it was nver finished. Though the album is made up largely of unfinished recordings, rough mixes and demo's you get the picture of the chemistry and intensity of the band and can hear the hybrid mix of influences which range from their post punk contemporaries to the underground and more experimental end of rock music of the late 60's and early 70's.

The Insane Picnic were among the pioneers of the diy cassette movement in the early 80's. This album was recorded in the mid eighties and was scheduled for release by Waterfall Records on the back of the 12" "Magistrates and Saints". The album was shelved for financial reasons.

Finally, it will be released. Here's what the press said back then.

Four days in April e.p.  - autumn 1982

"A twisted cross between Echo and the Bunnymen and the Fall, The Insane Picnic succeed where most others fail by creating an atmosphere that may not be unique but is at least threateningly distanced from the obvious possibilities" - Ian Pye, Melody Maker

"A strangely appealing nihilistic din" - Sounds

Romance / Politician`s Promise single - spring 1983

"Sly suburban lyrics, the music is full blooded intelligent and edgy, the guitar is on razor honed form. This is pop music that sparkles like lucozade but does you a great deal more good"  - NME 

"A cunning blend of noise and melody" - Maximum Rock'n'Roll

Magistrates and Saints 12" - autumn 1986

"Headless drifters, destabilizing and unpunking rock's great undertow" - Melody Maker

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