Jet Black Berries Will Rerelease Sunset on Venus
The band will perform a live show in Rochester on September 23 to celebrate the upcoming album reissue.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in R&B
Live Poll
Do you prefer listening to original album versions or remastered editions created by the artists?
Propeller Sound Recordings will release a remastered version of the Jet Black Berries album Sunset on Venus on September 25, 2026. The reissue restores the original song order that the band envisioned for the 12-track project.
Why it matters
The band members felt the original 1985 release failed to capture the intended continuity of their concept album. This new version aims to align the recording with the group's original sonic vision.
The original album was issued by Enigma Records in 1985. The band previously released three albums with that label during the 1980s.
The players
Jet Black Berries
This musical group formed in the early 1980s and is based in Rochester.
Derek Sapienza
He is the current lead vocalist for the band.
Propeller Sound Recordings
This record label is responsible for the remastering and distribution of the upcoming album release.
The details
The remastered album marks a significant technical update for the group, which originated from the 1970s new wave band New Math. Current lead vocalist Derek Sapienza and the rest of the band are hosting a live performance at Record Archive to mark the project's return.
Timeline
Original band members formed New Math in the 1970s.
The album Sunset on Venus was first released in 1985.
The band performs a live show at Record Archive on September 23, 2026.
The album will be officially rereleased on September 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the label's precedent set two years ago with the reissue of the New Math catalog. It highlights a trend of bands revisiting their legacy material to correct historical production discrepancies.
Fans in Rochester can attend a free live show featuring the album's material at Record Archive on September 23. The full remastered project will be available for general consumption starting September 25.
The takeaway
Revisiting classic albums allows bands to rectify past creative compromises made during original studio sessions. Listeners can hear the intended version of a 40-year-old record for the first time through this remastering process.
Further reading
Learn more about the local scene in the R&B section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rochester Beacon.
Live Poll
Do you prefer listening to original album versions or remastered editions created by the artists?
