"Scar" is a mini album by the English rock band Lush, released on October 9, 1989, by 4AD. Initially intended as a three-track single, it features a shoegazing style that garnered critical acclaim and comparisons to artists like My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth. The album includes six tracks, primarily written by Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson, showcasing a mix of ethereal vocals and experimental guitar work.
Lush formed in 1987 and gained attention from the British music press before Scar's release. The band recorded the album at Blackwing Studios with producer John Fryer, after plans to collaborate with Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie fell through. The recording sessions produced unexpected results, leading to the decision to release a mini album instead of just demos.
Scar was moderately successful, selling over 15,000 copies in its first four months and peaking at number three on the UK Independent Albums Chart. It was later reissued as part of the compilation album Gala. The album's cover design, created by Christopher Bigg and Vaughan Oliver, features an artistic blend of colors and provocative imagery, reflecting the band's unique identity.
The album's themes often explore cynical narratives about relationships, with Berenyi's vocals described as "submerged" and deliberately low in the mix. Overall, Scar represents Lush's early experimentation with sound and songwriting, solidifying their place in the alternative music scene.
