It is only right to realise early on in listening to this record, how important a band like Wire are in the modern scheme of things, music wise. This band have been around since 1976 and yet in 2015, they release an album with as much vibrancy as if it were their debut.
Not a band to look back or take to the megadomes to play a greatest songs set. They stick to smaller venues, and original new music. Much like the Gang of Four, their legend grows with every release because they refuse to do anything but look forward.
Their 13th studio album, titled Wire comprises material that was toured extensively first, as well as songs that frontman Colin Newman introduced to the group in the studio just prior to recording. "The idea was to get the most spontaneous reaction possible from the musicians" and the result is a seamless production of those songs, that grow in statue with each run through of the album.
Swooning sharp tunes soon have the listener hooked in a warm glow of sonic rhythm. From truly epic songs around the eight minute mark, 'Sleep-Walking' and ‘Harpooned’ to vibrant pop on 'Joust & Jostle' and ‘In Manchester’ to the majestic ‘Swallow’ and album opener ‘Blogging’ this is a prime record of 2015.
The basic tracks were recorded at Rockfield Studios near Monmouth, with overdubs added at Brighton Electric last December following the group’s DRILL : BRIGHTON Festival. The 11 tracks selected for release "were the ones that came together most naturally" according to the band.
The new album will be launched by the fourth event in the band's DRILL series entitled DRILL : LEXINGTON - five nights (14-18 April) at the Lexington in London with Wire headlining, plus a different "curated" support each night. This will be followed by a UK tour, all dates are below.
So in conclusion all I can say is purchase the record and see a show, it may well be the most satisfactory decisions you make this year.
Pete
10/11
Blogging
Shifting
Burning Bridges
In Manchester
High
Sleep-Walking
Joust & Jostle
Swallow
Split Your Ends
Octopus
Harpooned
See Wire live:
April 12-13 - UK - BRIGHTON - Prince Albert
April 14-18 – UK - LONDON – DRILL : LEXINGTON
April 20 – UK - SOUTHAMPTON – Engine Rooms
April 21 – UK - RAMSGATE – Music Hall
April 22 – UK - NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms
April 23 – UK - LIVERPOOL – Kazimer
April 24 – UK - HEBDEN BRIDGE – Trades Club
April 26 - UK - ABERDEEN – Lemon Tree
April 27- UK - GLASGOW – King Tuts
April 28 – UK - LEEDS – Brudenell Social Club
April 29 – UK - MANCHESTER – Club Academy
April 30 - UK - BRISTOL – Fleece