Nirvana – ‘Bleach’ 20th Anniversary Re-Issue Review

It seems absurd that twenty years have passed since Nirvana released their debut album, ‘Bleach’, to little or no fanfare at all (the plaudits would all come later). A raw, squally punk album with minimalist lyrics (Kurt, or Kurdt as he liked to be called then, wrote many of them on the way to the studio), ‘Bleach’ is a far better precursor to the excellent ‘In Utero’ album than the streamlined commercialism of ‘Nevermind’. Featuring the drumming skills of the under-rated Chad Channing and now revamped to include an entire live show as a bonus, this is a must-have reissue for fans of the band and an excellent introduction for the as-yet uninitiated. 

Recorded by Jack Endino for the remarkable sum of $600,Bleach managed to sound more expensive than it was thanks to a skilfully raw production job that captured the essence of the band live. Ironically it was to take years before the band would sound this good, or this human again, as Butch Vig’s cynical production job on the follow-up stripped the band of much of its essential soul. Opening with the bass rumble of ‘Blew’ the band blast though a  viciously sludgy set with highlights including the wilfully arty ‘Papercuts’ which is all feedback and drone, the live favourite ‘Negative creep’ which remained one of the heaviest songs the band ever recorded and the dynamic thrust of ‘Sifting’ which showcased Kurt’s ability to compose beyond the mere quiet-loud dynamic which he would later become associated with (until the feral squall of ‘In utero’ shocked critics into stunned silence). The bonus live disc features an entire concert that even hammers in a couple of rarities (including the much sought-after ‘Sappy’) and which is presented in remarkable quality sound given that this recording pre-dates the digital recording facilities of the modern era and was recorded well before Nirvana had a budget for such things. 

Aside from the bonus LP/CD the biggest incentive to re-buy this slice of early-90s grunge is the pristine sonic overhaul courtesy of Jack Endino which sees the record sounding more mountainous than ever. Everything from Chad’s primal force drumming to Kurt’s unstoppable roar comes through with utmost clarity and songs like ‘School’ take on a new lease of life. Furthermore there is a handsome booklet (52 pages for the digi-pack CD or 16 pages for the LP) and the LP is pressed on premium 180g white vinyl just as the original was. With ‘Downer’ inserted into the running order (it was left off initial vinyl pressings) and a code to download all the tracks in MP3 format, there is no doubt that purists will want to opt for the vinyl package, but either way it is clear that Sub Pop have invested time and money into this gorgeous-looking reissue. Bleach has never sounded or looked better. 

‘Bleach’ is out now on Sub Pop Records