Debuting on vinyl domestically, The Mercury LP by Regulator Watts builds on the Washington, D.C. punk band’s debut EP, adding assorted odds and ends recorded between 1996 and 1997.

After the Dischord Records band Hoover broke up in 1994, guitarist and singer Alex Dunham teamed up with Cret Wilson (bass, vocals) and Areif Sless-Kitain (drums) to widen his sonic vision. Together they quickly developed a powerful sound rooted in punk rock and post-hardcore while indulging more experimental impulses.

Dunham’s unconventional tunings defined the power trio’s unique sonic footprint with a plangent, reverb-drenched tone by turns menacing, mercurial and haunting. They weaved together dubby production, odd time signatures, and ambient textures into a dark, intoxicating blend. Regulator Watts’ dynamic range and rhythmic dexterity is well represented on this multi-faceted look back at their brief career.