Rediscovering The Durutti Column’s Timeless Sound in New Reissue

The reissue of The Return of the Durutti Column brings renewed attention to Vini Reilly’s influential work. Originally released in January 1980, this album, a hallmark of British alternative music, showcases a sound that remains hauntingly relevant. While Reilly never achieved the fame of contemporaries like Joy Division or New Order, his music has garnered a reputation for its ethereal quality and emotional depth.

The origins of The Durutti Column are as intriguing as the name itself, which is a misspelling of the Durruti Column, an anarchist unit from the Spanish Civil War. Assembled by Tony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records, the group included several local punk musicians. Reilly was the last to join and ultimately became the sole survivor of the original lineup. His artistic journey saw him briefly collaborate with Morrissey on the acclaimed album Viva Hate, where his contributions highlighted his unique guitar style.

Reilly’s debut album, while not his most celebrated work, is noteworthy for its delicate compositions. The opening track, Sketch for Summer, exemplifies the album’s ethereal quality. It resonated with audiences, including Deborah Curtis, who cited it as a source of comfort during her tumultuous marriage. The album’s largely instrumental pieces convey a sense of fragility, evoking fleeting moments of beauty that seem poised to vanish at any moment.

Production and Context of The Return of the Durutti Column

The production of the album was marked by the influence of Martin Hannett, Factory’s resident producer. Known for his unconventional methods, Hannett’s approach created a sonic landscape filled with tension and atmosphere. While Reilly initially resisted Hannett’s darker vision, both artists eventually recognized the transformative power of their collaboration. This dynamic mirrors the relationship between Hannett and Joy Division, whose later understanding of his vision helped shape their iconic sound.

Other tracks on the album, such as Requiem for My Father and Sketch for Winter, reflect a deep sense of melancholy interwoven with haunting melodies. The reissue also preserves the album’s original “sandpaper” packaging, infamous for scratching vinyl records—a signature act of self-sabotage from Factory Records.

Despite its initial lack of commercial impact, overshadowed by events such as the tragic passing of Ian Curtis the same year, the album’s legacy has only grown. The reissue includes demos and rarities, along with a live recording from 1981 that captures Reilly’s fragile but intense performance style.

The Durutti Column’s Enduring Legacy

Over the decades, The Durutti Column has emerged as one of Factory Records’ most enigmatic and magical acts. Although Joy Division, New Order, and Happy Mondays are often regarded as the definitive bands of the label, Reilly’s music resonates with a timeless wonder that continues to captivate listeners.

The reissue of The Return of the Durutti Column invites both new audiences and long-time fans to appreciate its artistry anew. It stands as a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from music that, at its core, remains a reflection of human emotion and experience.