Thrashing Doves – Reprobate's Hymn

Thrashing Doves – Reprobate's Hymn

Reprobate's Hymn is a late-1980s single from Thrashing Doves, the British rock group formed around brothers Ken and Brian Foreman. Released by A&M Records in 1988, it followed the band's earlier work including Bedrock Vice and their singles “Beautiful Imbalance” and “Je$u$ On The Payroll”. The release captures the band at an interesting point in their development, combining melodic alternative rock with synthesised textures and an increasingly polished late-80s production style.

The title track, “Reprobate's Hymn”, is a strong example of the band's ability to combine rock songwriting with a darker, slightly theatrical edge. Written by Ken and Brian Foreman, the song later appeared on the band's 1989 album Trouble In The Home, where it formed part of a broader collection of melodic rock songs incorporating synthesizers, layered arrangements and the band's distinctive lyrical style.

The B-side material centres on “Je$u$ On The Payroll No.2”, presented here in both vocal and instrumental versions. The song follows the band's earlier “Je$u$ On The Payroll”, which became one of their best-known tracks and reached the US Dance chart in 1987. The #2 version provides an alternative take on the song, with the instrumental highlighting the electronic and rhythmic elements beneath Ken Foreman's vocal performance.

Thrashing Doves occupied an unusual position within the British alternative scene of the 1980s. Their sound combined guitar-driven rock, new wave, synth-pop and melodic songwriting, while their visual and lyrical approach gave them a distinctive identity within A&M's roster. In 1988 they also gained greater exposure as the lead support act on Duran Duran's tour, helping to raise their profile beyond the specialist indie audience.

The band would go on to release Trouble In The Home in 1989 before eventually changing their name to The Doves for their third album, Affinity. Their later careers also saw members move into songwriting, production and session work, while guitarist Ian Button subsequently became associated with Death in Vegas.

For collectors of 1980s British new wave, A&M Records, alternative rock and obscure indie singles, Reprobate's Hymn is an appealing period release. The combination of the full-length title track with vocal and instrumental versions of “Je$u$ On The Payroll No.2” makes this an especially useful addition for listeners exploring the more melodic and synth-influenced side of late-80s British rock.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Reprobate's Hymn (Full Version) – 4:27

Side B

1. Je$u$ On The Payroll No.2 (Instrumental) – 4:15
2. Je$u$ On The Payroll No.2 (Vocal) – 4:15