The documentary Walking in the Opposite Direction by director Marc Waltman tells the tortuous story of the Adrian Borland (1957-1999), the brilliant yet troubled frontman of The Sound, the band he sang and played guitar in. His career and life were blighted by 14 years of depression and a schizoaffective disorder. Using rare archive footage and material, as well as interviews with Michael Dudley and Graham Bailey (both The Sound band members), assorted friends and Borland’s father, Bob Borland (himself now deceased), a touching memorial has been wrought commemorating a part of musical history that otherwise might very well slip from memory.

Formed in South London in the early 1980s, The Sound was heralded to have a bright future. They were the likes of contemporaries U2 and Echo & the Bunnymen at the time, but while U2 would soon shoot to world fame, and for quite some time Echo remained a major act in the UK and beyond, The Sound was another story altogether. Despite producing acclaimed albums like Jeopardy and the even more well-received From the Lions Mouth, they never quite managed to hit the big time and draw major audiences.

On Thursday, 5 March 1981, The Sound would play VERA for the first time. Three other gigs would follow, with Borland later returning solo as well. And now, nearly four decades later, once again on March 5th – albeit a Tuesday this time – Borland and The Sound will once again be back in Groningen. VERA Zienema will be screening Walking in the Opposite Direction. And better yet, after the movie, Adrian Borland’s music will be played live by true keepers of the flame, musicians from Groningen bands including Avery Plains and Whipster. Music to suit this New Dark Age.

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