Description
Public Image Ltd – This is P.I.L. – Double Vinyl Record
This is PiL is the tenth studio album by the British post-punk band Public Image Ltd (PiL), released on May 28, 2012, through PiL Official. The album marked the band’s return after a 20-year hiatus since That What Is Not in 1992. Led by frontman John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols), PiL re-emerged with their signature blend of post-punk, experimental rock, dub, and art rock influences. Known for challenging the conventions of popular music, PiL brings a raw, self-reflective energy to This is PiL, an album that revisits themes of identity, autonomy, and resilience with fresh intensity.
Following their reformation in 2009, John Lydon and PiL’s new lineup—which included guitarist Lu Edmonds, bassist Scott Firth, and drummer Bruce Smith—embarked on live performances that reconnected the band with fans. This lineup solidified into a dynamic group, balancing Lydon’s unconventional vocal style with musical elements that ranged from punk to reggae to industrial. With This is PiL, Lydon wanted to return to the raw, exploratory sound that had defined PiL’s earlier albums, embracing improvisation and a stripped-back production style.
Musically, the album mixes heavy basslines, angular guitar work, and Lydon’s distinctive vocal delivery, maintaining the post-punk and experimental approach PiL is known for. The sound is dense and atmospheric, combining hypnotic grooves with moments of unpredictability, allowing each member to bring something unique to the table.
Key Tracks
‘This is PiL’ – The opening track serves as an anthemic declaration of the band’s identity, with Lydon chanting ‘This is PiL!’ over a driving rhythm. It’s both a statement of intent and a reminder of the band’s enduring presence.
‘One Drop’ – One of the album’s lead singles, ‘One Drop’ is a dub-influenced track that draws on themes of resilience and Lydon’s memories of his youth in London. With its infectious beat and reggae-style bassline, it has a hypnotic groove that connects PiL’s early dub influences with their later experimental sound.
‘Deeper Water’ – This song features a dark, pulsating rhythm and lyrics that reflect on personal challenges. Lydon’s vocal delivery is intense and haunting, while the repetitive, bass-heavy groove builds a sense of tension.
‘Terra-Gate’ – A politically charged track, ‘Terra-Gate’ has an aggressive tone and pointed lyrics. The guitars are gritty, and Lydon’s vocals are delivered with conviction, making it one of the album’s angriest, most confrontational moments.
‘Human’ – This song combines a laid-back groove with introspective lyrics, where Lydon reflects on human flaws and vulnerability. The track’s open, slower tempo contrasts with the intensity of other songs, adding a more reflective tone to the album.
‘Reggie Song’ – An upbeat track with a dub-inspired rhythm, ‘Reggie Song’ highlights PiL’s knack for blending punk energy with reggae grooves. The song has a catchy bassline and playful lyrics that bring a lighter touch to the album.
‘Out of the Woods’ – With a steady, entrancing beat and Lydon’s vocal intonations, ‘Out of the Woods’ is a brooding track that speaks to survival and perseverance. The repetitive instrumental lines contribute to the song’s meditative, almost hypnotic effect.
‘Lollipop Opera’ – One of the album’s more experimental tracks, ‘Lollipop Opera’ blends frenetic rhythms with Lydon’s eccentric vocals. The song is playful and chaotic, reflecting PiL’s willingness to experiment with structure and sound.
This is PiL tackles themes of identity, survival, rebellion, and personal reflection. Lydon’s lyrics are often self-referential, looking back at his own experiences and PiL’s legacy while confronting issues like aging, resilience, and authenticity. There is an underlying sense of defiance throughout the album, as PiL reasserts its relevance in an ever-changing music landscape.
The album was produced by the band themselves, giving it an organic, unfiltered quality that feels raw and immediate. The use of minimalist production and repetition creates a dense, immersive listening experience, aligning with the band’s post-punk roots while integrating dub and reggae influences that give the album a pulsating, trance-like rhythm.
This is PiL received positive reviews from critics, who praised the album’s return to form and Lydon’s uncompromising vision. Many saw it as a successful revival of PiL’s sound, balancing the experimental edge of their early work with a renewed sense of purpose. The album showcased the band’s ability to adapt while maintaining the core elements that made them influential, drawing in both longtime fans and new listeners.
Tracks like ‘One Drop’ and ‘Deeper Water’ became fan favorites, with their memorable grooves and powerful lyrics resonating with audiences. The album’s unapologetic approach reminded fans of PiL’s ethos and their commitment to challenging musical norms.
This is PiL stands as a reaffirmation of Public Image Ltd’s identity, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of a band that helped shape post-punk and experimental rock. The album not only reintroduced PiL to a new generation but also solidified their legacy as innovators willing to defy expectations. For fans and critics alike, This is PiL is a testament to the band’s resilience and creative vision, marking a significant chapter in their enduring influence on alternative music.
Gatefold Jacket
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
This Is PiL
One Drop
Deeper Water
Terra-Gate
Human
I Must Be Dreaming
It Said That
The Room I Am In
Lollipop Opera
Fool
Reggie Song
Out Of The Woods
