Description
Strictly limited to 250 copies.
Pre sale orders only. To be sent out on release on 30th October 2026.
The long-awaited reissue arrives more than 25 years after the album’s original CD release on Island Records and will be celebrated with a series of special reunion gigs in which the band will perform the album in its entirety.
Originally released on 12 July 1999, Before the Calm was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Phil Vinall. The album earned widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth, understated power, and timeless songwriting. NME described it as “an astonishing debut album; stripped of all affectation, daring to be understated when others would have hit the anthem button,” while other outlets praised Witness as “a band to cherish.”
The record spawned the singles “Scars,” “Audition,” and “Hijacker,” which led to major festival slots and TV appearances including Jools Holland. The album has since become a cult favourite.
Gerard Starkie, frontman and principal songwriter, said:
“At least once a month over the past fifteen years or so, someone, somewhere has contacted me to ask if Before The Calm is ever coming out on vinyl. Until now I’ve always had to answer ‘I don’t know’. I’m very excited to finally be able to say ‘Yes it is’ and not only that, but to play the album live in its entirety with a full band for the very first time.”
The band will reform for a series of intimate UK shows in November 2026, where they will play Before the Calm in full along with other favourites.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.