On 18 March 1980, JOY DIVISION released the French-territory-only EP, LICHT UND BLINDHEIT comprising two tracks, ATMOSPHERE and DEAD SOULS, (March 18th, 1980).
Released by Sordide Sentimental, a French record label that specialised in industrial post-punk sounds, "Licht und Blindheit" (German for "Light and Blindness"), saw the first issue of ATMOSPHERE, a track produced by Martin Hannett during sessions at Cargo Recording Studios, Rochdale in October the previous year.
This desolate, glacially beautiful song highlights the remarkable alienation in Curtis’ voice, one that eschews exhibition of emotion for a description of the husk - the ghost, one might almost say - of a feeling that has passed. This feeling is echoed on the sleeve – a cowled monk, back turned, facing a snow-covered Alpine peak, almost religious in its construction.
The EP was issued with a very specific quota, 1578 copies to be precise, and only available to purchase via mail order - thus obliging most fans to tape the John Peel play. Sadly they wouldn’t have to wait long for a second chance to own a copy: the track received a release two month’s later on a Factory issued 12” following Ian Curtis’ death.
With its jerky drumscape and cascading chimes, Atmosphere has a breathtakingly eternal quality and is perhaps the zenith of Hannett’s futurist production.
Walk in silence,
Don't walk away, in silence.
See the danger,
Always danger,
Endless talking,
Life rebuilding,
Don't walk away.
Walk in silence,
Don't turn away, in silence.
Your confusion,
My illusion,
Worn like a mask of self-hate,
Confronts and then dies.
Don't walk away.
People like you find it easy,
Naked to see,
Walking on air.
Hunting by the rivers,
Through the streets,
Every corner abandoned too soon,
Set down with due care.
Don't walk away, in silence,
Don't walk away.