On Friday, September 12th, 2025, Sub Pop will release the 30th anniversary edition of Six Finger Satellite’s sophomore effort, Severe Exposure, as an expanded double-LP. In addition to the original recording, Severe Exposure: Deluxe Edition includes a bonus 12” of the 1994 Machine Cuisine EP, and a download of 17 additional songs, including rare singles, compilation tracks, and unreleased material. All the material has been freshly mastered by JJ Golden, and the vinyl is packaged in a lovely slipcase with individual jackets for each LP.
Severe Exposure would go on to become Six Finger Satellite’s best-selling album to date, which the band recorded at their own studio, The Parlour, in Providence, Rhode Island.
Formed in 1990 in Providence, Rhode Island by J. Ryan (singer/keyboards), John MacLean (guitar), Peter Phillips (guitar), Chris Dixon (bass), and Rick Pelletier (drums), Six Finger Satellite quickly signed to Sub Pop for the Weapon EP. Shortly thereafter, they released their landmark 1993 debut, The Pigeon Is the Most Popular Bird, and then, in 1995, Severe Exposure.
Severe Exposure foreshadowed the early ‘00s revival of post-punk and synth-oriented rock by adding synths to the band’s caustic, tense post-punk sound. All Music called the album, “Herky-jerky pandemonium rife with buzzing guitars and spooky, deliberately melodramatic synth and Moog lines, Severe Exposure is filled with tight, paranoid riffs that fulfills the deepest wish of anyone who ever wanted to find out what the unholy progeny of Big Black and Devo would sound like.” Trouser Press wrote that “‘Rabies (Baby’s Got The)’ and ‘Simian Fever’ are animal aggressive and messy, while sharing the synthetic digitone lusts of new wave.” The SF Weekly praised it as “a party record, the kind you slip on at that inevitable point when you want ‘certain people’ to head home.” Chunklet doubles down on the album’s festive vibe: “Severe Exposure is a guaranteed party…”
Severe Exposure: Deluxe Edition is now available to preorder from Sub Pop. LP preorders from megamart.subpop.com, Mega Mart Europe, and select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser Edition on Coke Bottle Clear & Transparent Orange (the EU edition is limited to 1k copies).
Severe Exposure: Deluxe Edition follows the 2023 deluxe reissue of The Pigeon is the Most Popular Bird, also out now on Sub Pop.