A new album attributed to the Fall, the post-punk band fronted by the late Mark E Smith, has become the subject of public disagreement among those closest to the artist. The record, titled Post Script, was announced for release in October and consists of nine previously unreleased vocal recordings made between 2001 and 2014. Musicians Ed Blaney and Simon Archer subsequently created instrumental arrangements and production for these archival vocals.
Pamela Vander, Smith’s fiancée during the final years of his life and his manager at the time of his death in January 2018, has criticized the album’s release. She contends that marketing it as the band’s final official work misleads the public into believing Smith created it near the end of his life, when in fact the vocals predate his last album, New Facts Emerge, which she maintains Smith himself designated as his final project. Vander stated that Smith was working on other material at the time of his death, including a Madonna cover, but had made a deliberate artistic decision to conclude with New Facts Emerge. She characterized the posthumous release as ethically problematic and suggested alternative framing, such as marketing it as an archive collection, would have been more appropriate.
Blaney and Archer have provided contrasting perspectives on their involvement. Blaney emphasized that the project was undertaken with reverence for Smith and confidence that the artist would have supported their work, citing the strong professional relationships all parties maintained. Archer detailed his role recording Smith’s vocals over a 12-year period and explained that some materials were explicitly designated by Smith for potential future use. Both collaborators argue the release represents a positive tribute rather than commercialization.
The album was approved by Smith’s estate and is being released by the label Cog Sinister on multiple formats. A digital single from the record was distributed in June ahead of the full album release.
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