In the annals of punk, few albums hit with the seismic force of NOMEANSNO’s Sex Mad. Released in 1986, this was more than a record, it was a detonation. Amid the Cold War and the Reagan era’s cultural tension, Sex Mad erupted as a raw, furious, and utterly fearless statement that redefined what punk could be.
From the opening blast of “Dad,” NOMEANSNO made it clear they weren’t following anyone’s blueprint. The Wright brothers Rob and John, alongside guitarist Andy Kerr, forged a sound that fused hardcore intensity with the precision of jazz, the elasticity of funk, and the cerebral bite of art rock. The result was unlike anything else emerging from the scene at the time.
Lyrically, Sex Mad dove headlong into alienation, addiction, and societal rot. These are subjects punk had tackled before, but rarely with such intelligence and emotional gravity. Rob Wright’s snarling vocals and razor-edged bass lines delivered every word with conviction. Even the controversial cover art, an original painting by Andy Kerr was censored by some retailers,. This just underscored the band’s willingness to confront discomfort and provoke dialogue.
Recorded at Profile Studios in Vancouver with producer Cecil English (D.O.A., Subhumans), Sex Mad captured the raw electricity of NOMEANSNO’s live shows while revealing the intricate musicianship that set them apart from their peers. Though critics at the time didn’t always know what to make of it, Sex Mad has since become a cornerstone of experimental punk. A record that influenced everyone from the Melvins and Primus to Faith No More and System of a Down (and that’s just to name a few). Its daring blend of aggression, intelligence, and innovation continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Nearly four decades later, Sex Mad remains a masterclass in musical defiance. It remains challenging, exhilarating, and utterly timeless. Alternative Tentacles Records couldn’t be more proud to finally bring this incredible release back home at last.
