King Blank

The Profile

King Blank was the late Ian Lowery’s post-punk project formed after the dissolution of Folk Devils. Active in the late 1980s, the group released the album The Real Dirt (1988) and several singles, blending garage-punk urgency with new wave and blues-inflected textures.

Formed by Ian Lowery (Hartlepool, 1956–2001) after Folk Devils ended, with a Beggars Banquet deal. The lineup featured Nigel Pulsford, Kris Jozajtis, Hugh Garrety, and Kevin Rooney. Key release: The Real Dirt (1988); notable singles include “Blind Box” and “Uptight”.

A passionate ode to King Blank’s 1988 album The Real Dirt, highlighting Ian Lowery’s underrecognized genius and vivid 80s underground context. The review details lineup origins, Beggars Banquet ties, and genre-blending tracks from garage-punk surges to bluesy shuffles. Standouts include The Real Dirt, Blind Box, and Uptight. Overall verdict: a great record from an enduring underground legend.