By the late ’90s the independent music scene in San Diego, California, had become synonymous with noisy, post-hardcore bands that were pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be punk. Camera Obscura was one of those bands. They cut their teeth on the angular and abrasive sounds of Antioch Arrow, Clickatat Ikatowi, and Heroin, and incorporated synths and electronics to create their own dark, jarring, experimental rock sound. 

The band’s musical output was sparse. In addition to two 45s, the band released their only LP, To Change the Shape of an Envelope in 2000 on Troubleman Unlimited. The album runs the gamut sonically with dark, high-energy songs like “Twenty-Five Diamonds” and “Sarasota,” the early industrial sound of “Something About a Nightmare,” and the shoegaze-influenced “Cinematheque.”

In October of 2024, the band announced a partnership with Solid Brass Records to begin work on reissuing their long out-of-print album. To Change the Shape of an Envelope has been completely remastered by Pete Lyman at Infrasonic Mastering with new artwork by Sonny Kay (The VSS, GSL Records).

To Change The Shape of An Envelope will be available on LP and for the first time ever on digital on February 7 via Solid Brass Records. Pre-orders are available HERE.

Photo courtesy of Solid Brass Records.