I've been pretty vocal for a number of years about New Order being one of my favorite bands of all time. Not only do I consider them infinitely more interesting and enjoyable than Joy Division, I think they also are one of pop's most consistently reliable acts, one that transcends trends, genre affiliations, etc. "Music Complete" came out this past year on Mute Records and I have to be honest, sitting still while I type this is very difficult. "Restless" is playing at the moment and it's appropriate title is working its magic. Bernard Sumner's melancholic vocal delivery perfectly matches the drifting beat and underlying synths but the danceability remains nonetheless and you are soon caught up in the trance that is a New Order experience. You just want to drive into the abyss, find a person to connect with, share a moment and a piece of something eternal. It's beautiful, it always has been.
While all of the familiar qualities of New Order are present, there is a strong element of electronica that I find refreshing in many ways, particularly on tracks like "Singularity." Despite having somewhat of a dance club remix vibe to it, the song effectively maintains a fast and frantic beat without overshadowing the vocals and wonderful synth melodies. The expanding influence of electronic music in the wake of long time member Peter Hook's departure is helping to push the band away from stagnant nostaliga into a comfortable position of revitalized relevance sonicially. "Plastic," another single from the album, works in a great chorus with very retro inspired female vocals and a great electronic bridge that will have Lady Gaga's producers scrambling and fumbling for ideas for her next offering I'm sure. The highlight track though for me is the somewhat out of place but very uniquely powerful "Superheated." Full of emotive lyrics and a sense of vulnerability but lacking most of the electronic dance beats of the rest of the album, the song not only stands out but sticks with the listener more by hitting different senses quickly and often.
"Music Complete" is a testament to New Order's capability to use their music to motivate, inspire, captivate, and stimulate the senses of its audience. Fusing new and classic influences and forging a new direction for the veteran band, this album further cements a legacy that few, if any, will or have ever questioned.
- Joe