Released: 17/05/24
Initially misunderstood upon release, Cast of Thousands marked The Adverts’ bold shift from raw punk to ambitious, genre-blurring rock. Led by TV Smith’s sharp songwriting and Gaye Advert’s driving bass, the album embraced experimentation—adding keyboards, acoustic guitars, and unusual recording techniques under the guidance of producer Tom Newman. Though met with resistance from fans and critics at the time, it’s now hailed as a lost classic: inventive, defiant, and packed with standout tracks like “Television’s Over” and “Love Songs.” A fearless evolution from punk pioneers into a fully realized rock band.