ArtistDirect News
The Fall to Release Final Studio Album Post Script in September 2026
After a 47‑year run that spanned the rise of post‑punk, The Fall will finally issue its last studio album, Post Script, in September 2026. The nine‑track collection, set to be distributed by Cog Sinister Records, pulls from material that was in the works before founder Mark E. Smith passed away in January 2018.
Post Script follows an astonishing 31‑album catalog released between 1979 and 2017, the most recent of which was New Facts Emerge. Unlike any previous release, the new album is the first time that The Fall’s unreleased studio recordings have been assembled into a complete, cohesive project.
The album’s lead single, “30 Degrees”, was issued ahead of the full record and carries the songwriting imprint of Smith, Simon Archer and Ed Blaney in Salford. Blaney, a former band member and long‑time manager, has confirmed that the project is almost finished. In an interview, he said, “I have spent most of the afternoon listening to the final mixes of the official final studio album by The Fall. Without any doubt I can say it’s an absolutely brilliant album. A Fall fan’s dream and some.” Blaney added that the nine tracks are “absolute bangers” and that further release details will follow.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed interest in The Fall’s legacy. Smith died at 60 from complications of lung and kidney cancer, and the band’s influence has been cited by contemporary acts such as Franz Ferdinand, LCD Soundsystem and newer post‑punk groups. The Fall’s distinctive vocal delivery, socially incisive lyrics and refusal to chase commercial trends helped define the British post‑punk movement.
The group’s history is defined by frequent line‑up changes, with Smith as the only constant. Formed in 1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, the band released a steady stream of albums—including Hex Enduction Hour (1982), This Nation’s Saving Grace (1985), Bend Sinister (1986) and The Wonderful And Frightening World Of The Fall (1984). While never a mainstream chart‑topping act, The Fall maintained a devoted following and earned the admiration of BBC broadcaster John Peel.
In 2022, former members launched a project called House Of All, performing material from their time with The Fall. Smith’s family and estate publicly rejected the initiative, stating that they neither endorsed nor wished to be associated with the project. Former guitarist and songwriter Brix Smith has continued to champion Mark E. Smith’s artistic legacy, arguing that both he and the band were under‑appreciated during their active years.
Post Script is therefore viewed as the last authorised chapter of a catalog that remained prolific until Smith’s final years. The nine tracks—“30 Degrees”, “So Long”, “Colonel’s Retreat”, “Caveat”, “Final Position”, “Retro Song”, “Irish Northern Man”, “Dehydrated” and “The Book”—offer a rare opportunity to hear new material linked directly to the creative period that produced New Facts Emerge.
The release is scheduled for September 2026, and the album will be distributed by Cog Sinister Records. The project brings closure to The Fall’s recording career and provides a definitive statement from a band whose influence extended far beyond commercial success.
In summary, Post Script will mark the end of The Fall’s studio output, compiling unreleased tracks that were in progress before Mark E. Smith’s death. The album’s release completes the band’s extensive discography and offers fans a final, authorised collection of the group’s work.
Post Script follows an astonishing 31‑album catalog released between 1979 and 2017, the most recent of which was New Facts Emerge. Unlike any previous release, the new album is the first time that The Fall’s unreleased studio recordings have been assembled into a complete, cohesive project.
The album’s lead single, “30 Degrees”, was issued ahead of the full record and carries the songwriting imprint of Smith, Simon Archer and Ed Blaney in Salford. Blaney, a former band member and long‑time manager, has confirmed that the project is almost finished. In an interview, he said, “I have spent most of the afternoon listening to the final mixes of the official final studio album by The Fall. Without any doubt I can say it’s an absolutely brilliant album. A Fall fan’s dream and some.” Blaney added that the nine tracks are “absolute bangers” and that further release details will follow.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed interest in The Fall’s legacy. Smith died at 60 from complications of lung and kidney cancer, and the band’s influence has been cited by contemporary acts such as Franz Ferdinand, LCD Soundsystem and newer post‑punk groups. The Fall’s distinctive vocal delivery, socially incisive lyrics and refusal to chase commercial trends helped define the British post‑punk movement.
The group’s history is defined by frequent line‑up changes, with Smith as the only constant. Formed in 1976 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, the band released a steady stream of albums—including Hex Enduction Hour (1982), This Nation’s Saving Grace (1985), Bend Sinister (1986) and The Wonderful And Frightening World Of The Fall (1984). While never a mainstream chart‑topping act, The Fall maintained a devoted following and earned the admiration of BBC broadcaster John Peel.
In 2022, former members launched a project called House Of All, performing material from their time with The Fall. Smith’s family and estate publicly rejected the initiative, stating that they neither endorsed nor wished to be associated with the project. Former guitarist and songwriter Brix Smith has continued to champion Mark E. Smith’s artistic legacy, arguing that both he and the band were under‑appreciated during their active years.
Post Script is therefore viewed as the last authorised chapter of a catalog that remained prolific until Smith’s final years. The nine tracks—“30 Degrees”, “So Long”, “Colonel’s Retreat”, “Caveat”, “Final Position”, “Retro Song”, “Irish Northern Man”, “Dehydrated” and “The Book”—offer a rare opportunity to hear new material linked directly to the creative period that produced New Facts Emerge.
The release is scheduled for September 2026, and the album will be distributed by Cog Sinister Records. The project brings closure to The Fall’s recording career and provides a definitive statement from a band whose influence extended far beyond commercial success.
In summary, Post Script will mark the end of The Fall’s studio output, compiling unreleased tracks that were in progress before Mark E. Smith’s death. The album’s release completes the band’s extensive discography and offers fans a final, authorised collection of the group’s work.