Celebrating 20 Years of Funeral For A Friend’s Debut Album Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation

Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, the groundbreaking album that propelled the young Welsh band Funeral For A Friend onto the global stage, marks its 20th anniversary this year. This influential debut not only defined the band’s career but also left an enduring impact on the modern rock scene. To celebrate this significant milestone, we were honoured to collaborate with the incredibly talented Luke Preece and Future History Management on an exclusive commemorative poster. This artwork beautifully captures the essence and legacy of the iconic album. These limited-edition prints are a tribute to one of the most essential records in modern rock history.

Originally released in 2003, Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation represented a pivotal moment for Funeral For A Friend and the post-hardcore and emo genres. The album’s distinctive blend of emotionally charged lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and memorable hooks left an indelible mark on the music scene.

The band said, "It feels pretty surreal to be celebrating 20 years of ‘Casually Dressed…’ already, but we’re looking forward to diving back into the record that changed everything for us and to performing it front to back across the U.K. in October."

The original album artwork, designed by Barney Bewick of Indium Design, was inspired by the surrealist paintings of René Magritte, notably his 1928 series The Lovers. It featured two faceless figures locked in an intimate yet ambiguous embrace—a visual metaphor that echoed the album’s longing, loss, and introspection themes.

In reimagining this iconic cover, Luke Preece has taken the foundational concept and brought it into a new, bold visual realm. Staying true to the surrealist origins of the original artwork, Luke expanded the scene, adding depth, detail, and new layers of meaning. The two central figures have been thoughtfully reinterpreted, and the surrounding landscape has been enriched with evocative objects, each telling its own story and inviting viewers to delve deeper into the visual narrative.

Working with Luke Preece on this project has been an absolute pleasure. His reimagining of the iconic imagery whilst bringing his unique perspective and creativity to the table is remarkable, making the final artwork feel fresh and original. This commemorative poster perfectly showcases his exceptional talent—it seamlessly blends the essence of Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation with his distinct artistic flair. Luke’s skill in capturing the album's spirit and the emotional weight it carries for fans is genuinely impressive, and we’re thrilled with the results of this collaboration.

The result is a stunning 18” x 24” poster, meticulously screenprinted at White Duck Editions in a classic version and a limited rainbow foil edition. Every detail of the print has been crafted with care, ensuring the highest quality for collectors and fans alike.

As we reflect on 20 years of Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation, we’re reminded of the impact this album continues to have on its listeners and the music community. Here’s to more collaborations and creative ventures that honour the legacy of such influential work! 🙌

We want to extend a huge thank you to Future History Management for bringing us on board for this incredible project and Luke Preece for bringing the A-game artwork for us to work with. It's always a pleasure. And, of course, we wish the band all the best on their tour!

Sat 07 Oct 2023 Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse
Sun 08 Oct 2023 Glasgow O2 Academy
Mon 09 Oct 2023 Leeds O2 Academy
Wed 11 Oct 2023 Birmingham O2 Academy
Fri 13 Oct 2023 Norwich The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
Sat 14 Oct 2023 Cardiff International Arena
Sun 15 Oct 2023 London Roundhouse

Tickets can be bought here.