Sub Pop records have announced reissues of the band’s entire output from 1988-1991, including outtakes and rarities, and their debut album, Punch N Judy, which originally came out on RayOn Records in 1986. None of this material has been available on digital music services before, and the vinyl versions have been out of print for decades, with extensive mixing and remastering work by the band and Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, High on Fire, Mudhoney). The reissues include release seven titles – five on LP and digital, and two digital-only, available December 2024.

The Denver five-piece – John Robinson (vocals), James Clower (guitar), Matt Bischoff (bass), Garrett Shavlik (drums), and the dear departed Rick Kulwicki (guitar) – fused the fire of ‘80s hardcore with crunching Detroit protopunk, ‘60s garage rock, and ‘70s rock swagger. Think MC5, Faces, ‘70s Stones, all cranked up and really high on Sex Pistols and Black Flag singles.

Rising from the ashes of early-’80s Denver bands Frantix (whose “My Dad’s a Fuckin’ Alcoholic” is a true gem of American punk) and White Trash, The Fluid were the first non-Seattle band to sign to Sub Pop, and Clear Black Paper was the second full-length album the label ever released. The label honchos were fans of Frantix, and happily got involved with The Fluid when the opportunity arose via the label’s European licensing partner, Glitterhouse, who handled The Fluid across the pond. Witnessing The Fluid’s dominant live presence helped – a particularly fiery early show at Seattle’s Central Tavern featured The Fluid, Mudhoney, Mother Love Bone, and Soundgarden all trying to outdo one another on stage.

The Fluid put out four albums and a number of EPs and singles, including a split 7” with Nirvana in 1991, before disbanding after their sole major-label album, 1993’s Purplemetalflakemusic.

order reissues by The Fluid HERE