Second Layer

Second Layer was the experimental side project of Adrian Borland and Graham Bailey, both core members of the influential post-punk band The Sound. Formed in 1979, the duo utilized the project to explore a more abrasive, electronic-leaning sound that deviated from the melodic anthems of their main outfit.

Their work is characterized by the use of primitive drum machines, minimalist synth lines, and Borland's signature jagged guitar work, creating a sonic palette that bridges the gap between early post-punk and the emerging industrial/minimal synth scenes. Their lyrical themes were notably darker and more sociopolitical than The Sound, focusing on nuclear anxiety, dehumanization, and psychological fragmentation. Despite a limited discography consisting of two EPs and one full-length album, 'World of Rubber' (1981), they are highly regarded by collectors of 80s underground music for their uncompromising, stark aesthetic. Borland's tragic struggle with mental health adds a layer of retrospective intensity to the music's themes of alienation. They remain a crucial reference point for fans of 'cold' post-punk and the darker corners of the UK independent scene.