Twelfth Night - Art & Illusion

'Art and Illusion' was Twelfth Night's first album with new singer Andy Sears, originally released in October 1984 on the Music For Nations label. It was recorded with noted producer Gil Norton (Echo & The Bunnymen, The Pixies) and reached no. 83 in the official charts, being the only release of the band to feature in the Guinness Book of Hit Singles & Albums! The reviews were positive!

Twelfth Night's crusade to popularise thinking issues is underpinned by the quality of their ideas. The art is polished. The illusion is convincing. The future is waiting. SOUNDS

... a furiously fine album with the anchor glory simply bursting out of every second of the title track which pounds along in unbridled power and pride... reminiscent of U2. THE BEAT

This brand new '40th Anniversary Edition double CD is released on the band's own label for the first time. The track listing mirrors the expanded 'Definitive Edition' version, which comprises the original album, with its addition of contemporary demos and a second disc featuring the 12-track live set recorded in various venues on the band's 'Art & Illusion' tour in October 1984. In total 24 tracks!

...a frenzied up-tempo melting pot of mostly believable rock operatics... the band play with an all-consuming fire... KERRANG

The live bonus disc highlights the fact that Twelfth Night were always a dazzling onstage act. PROG

... I've got to confess that Twelfth Night proved to be much more entertaining than expected... Mary Ann Hobbs, SOUNDS

The full-colour 16-page booklet features extensive sleeve notes and all the lyrics lavishly illustrated with some stunning images, making it both a beautifully presented and sounding release.