Permanence (album)

Following Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins' incarceration for child sex offences, No Devotion was formed.[7] Bassist Stuart Richardson explained that they were unsure "if we would ever make music again or if people would look us in the face. Everything felt like it was over."[7] In April 2014, it was announced that Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly would be working with No Devotion through his own label, Collect Records.[8] Rickley regarded their new material as being influenced by Joy Division, New Order, and The Cure, although he did not discuss whether he was going to join the band.[8]

A month later, the group confirmed they would be making music with Rickly on vocals; Rickly said the former Lostprophets members "needed a second chance".[9] On 1 July, the band released their first single "Stay", with B-side "Eyeshadow".[10] In late July, the band went on a short tour.[10] On 27 October, "10,000 Summers" was released as a single with the B-sides "Only Thing" and the demo version of "10,000 Summers".[11] In early January 2015 it was announced that drummer Luke Johnson had left the band, feeling that he would be unable to fulfill commitments.[12] Matt Tong of Bloc Party filled in on drums to help the band finish recording their debut album.[12] Also in January, the band supported Gerard Way on his tour of the UK.[13]

Stuart Richardson stated in 2019 that the album was written while Watkins' trial was ongoing.[14]

When asked about what influences his song writing, Rickly replied with "Films [and] Novels. I think music is always aching for two things: narrative and visual pacing. The narrative is the job of a good singer or a truly visionary producer. The visual is often overlooked. That's why our album is so design heavy."[15]

Permanence was mixed by Dave Fridmann and produced by Richardson and Alex Newport.

On 30 June 2015, Permanence was announced for release.[16] On 6 July, "Addition" was released as a single.[17] "Addition" was released to radio on 17 August.[18] A day later, "Permanent Sunlight" was released as a single.[19] Permanence was made available for streaming on 21 September.[7] The album was released through Collect Records on 25 September.[16] In October and November, the band went on a tour of Europe.[20]

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	79/100[21]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AbsolutePunk	7.8/10[1]
NME	3/5[4]
Punknews.org	[22]
Sputnikmusic	4.5/5[23]
Team Rock	(favourable)[24]

Permanence charted in the UK at number 120.[25] "I Wanna Be Your God" was included on Alternative Press's list of "12 new songs you need to hear from September 2015".[26]

Rock Sound reviewer Rob Sayce noted the album's fusion of "shimmering electronic textures with elements of post-punk, psychedelic pop and a hefty dose of gloom."[3] Sayce wrote how Rickly managed to sow together the collection's "various threads with real passion and intensity."[3] Sayce mentioned that those who grew up with The Cure's material "should feel right at home".[3] The album was ranked at number 8 in Alternative Press's "10 Essential Records of 2015" list.[2] Jason Pettigrew of Alternative Press wrote that the album "exceed[ed] fans' and detractors' preconceived notions with equal measures of heart-hitting pop and urbane rock cool."[2] The album was included at number 12 on Rock Sound's top 50 releases of 2015 list.[27] Permanence won Best Album at the 2016 Kerrang! Awards.[28]

All songs written by No Devotion.

No Devotion

• Geoff Rickly – lead vocals
• Jamie Oliver – vocals, piano, keyboards, synths
• Lee Gaze – lead guitar, backing vocals
• Mike Lewis – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Stuart Richardson – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Luke Johnson – drums, percussion (tracks 3–5, 7–10 and 11)

Additional musicians

• Matt Tong – drums, percussion (tracks 1, 2, 4 and 6)

Citations

Sources

• Permanence at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)