Catherine Wheel Ferment

Ferment is the debut album from Catherine Wheel, a band often cited as one of the great under-acknowledged acts of the 1990s alternative scene. Formed in Great Yarmouth in 1990, Catherine Wheel emerged alongside the shoegaze movement but never sat comfortably within any single genre, carving out a sound that blended dense guitar textures, melodic songwriting, and emotional weight while sidestepping the dominant grunge and Britpop trends of the era.

Originally released in June 1992, Ferment introduced the band’s swirling, atmospheric style, pairing shimmering effects with driving rhythms and introspective vocals. The album has since earned a cult reputation as a landmark release of early ’90s UK alternative rock, capturing a moment when ambition, mood, and melody intersected with striking clarity.

This reissue faithfully replicates the original 1992 Fontana UK release and comes pressed on high-quality vinyl, presented here alongside a 12" 45 RPM EP. The EP adds further depth to the era, making this edition an essential package for collectors and fans alike. Together, the LP and EP offer a definitive way to experience Ferment — a debut that still resonates as powerfully today as it did on first release.