"The Affectionate Punch" is the debut studio album by the Scottish post-punk and new wave band The Associates, released on August 1, 1980, on the Fiction label. This album marked the beginning of the band's influential career, characterized by their distinctive blend of avant-garde pop, electronic experimentation, and theatrical vocals.
One interesting cultural connection is that the song title "Even Dogs in the Wild" from the album became the title of a novel by Scottish mystery writer Ian Rankin. In Rankin's novel, the song is mentioned briefly, showcasing the cross-pollination of music and literature that can sometimes occur in creative works.
Overall, "The Affectionate Punch" stands as a significant debut for The Associates, introducing their innovative sound and setting the stage for their subsequent influential contributions to the post-punk and new wave genres.
