Smiling C / USA / RE 2025
Originally released in 1981, Light Patterns is a rare document of the meditative, "otherworldly" side of the Manchester underground. While the city was exploding with post-punk energy, Kevin and David were exploring a completely different path—one of "Kaftans and Candles"—inspired by the spiritual jazz of Alice Coltrane, the cosmic folk of John Martyn, and the minimalism of Terry Riley.
Recorded on home cassette decks using acoustic guitars, bass, and Moog synthesizers, the album captures a uniquely warm, hazy atmosphere that sits perfectly between ambient, psychedelic folk, and private-press jazz. This DIY charm caught the ear of Peter Jenner (Pink Floyd’s original manager), who released it on his Sheet label, recognizing the duo as true visionary outsiders.
The record’s cult status is further cemented by its aesthetic pedigree: the original artwork was designed by the legendary Barney Bubbles, and the deadwax bore the famous "Porky" Prime Cut inscription. Remastered from the original tapes for the first time in nearly 40 years, Light Patterns remains a sublime invitation to "lie back and enter the land of no floors."