Alarm
Declaration
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1984 Original. This Debut Carried Some Weight In The Boom Of The 80's With "Marching On," "The Stand," "Sixty Eight Guns", "Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?". Some Say They Were One Of The First Hair Bands. "Declaration" by Alarm, released in 1984, is a compelling fusion of punk rock's raw energy and the anthemic grandeur of classic rock, marking a pivotal moment in the band's career. The album opens with "Declaration," a track that immediately sets the tone with its urgent riffs and Mike Peters' impassioned vocals. It's an album steeped in themes of youth, rebellion, and social consciousness, driven by the band's distinctive sound characterized by powerful guitar lines and energetic rhythms. Songs like "Sixty Eight Guns," which became one of the band's signature hits, encapsulate the spirit of defiance and the desire for change that resonated with a generation. The production is clean yet gritty, capturing the essence of their live performances while allowing the lyrical messages to shine through clearly.

Critically, "Declaration" was received as a bold and assertive statement from The Alarm, acknowledging their influences while carving out their unique space in the music landscape of the 1980s. The album struck a chord with its ability to combine the immediacy of punk with the melodic hooks and sweeping choruses reminiscent of U2 and Bruce Springsteen, artists to whom they were often compared. While some critics noted that the band's reliance on big, anthemic sounds occasionally bordered on over-ambitious, many praised their sincerity and the earnestness with which they tackled their themes. "Declaration" stands as a testament to The Alarm's ability to craft poignant, stirring music that not only incites introspection but also inspires action, making it a noteworthy entry in the annals of rock music history.