The first long player by Scotland's Lowlife is a murky affair both in terms of production and general moodiness. As is with the case with many debut records, 1986's 'Permanent Sleep' now seems like an amalgamation of other records which preceded it, notably 'Garlands'; the first album by Will Heggie's former employers, the Cocteau Twins. Yet whilst the latter outfit could boast one of the finest, most beautiful voices in modern music, Lowlife had Craig Lorentson; on his own merits a powerful singer but sometimes he is swamped by the seemingly unrelenting doomy atmospheres, with respite only arriving on the surprisingly pretty guitar figures that adorn 'Wild Swan'. The album also includes some of their finest early songs: would-be goth anthems 'Cowards Way', the title track and the brilliant, thunderous instrumental 'The Betting And Gaming Act 1964'. Also included on this LTM reissue is Lowlife's first EP 'Rain', highlights of which are the dramatic 'Gallery Of Shame' and the more euphoric 'Sometime: Something'. Overall, 'Permanent Sleep' represents a decent start for the band but their next record would see them perfect a dark majesty all of their own making.