New Order was formed by the former band members of Joy Division following the abrupt suicide of their lead singer Ian Curtis. With their new project they retained many of the things that made Joy Division a post-punk cult favorite (namely the repetitive drones and seemingly detached vocal style) while introducing more synth-pop and dance-rock elements.
From the opening notes of Power Corruption and Lies it’s clear you’re in for a synth pop treat. There’s something about “Age of Consent” and the fuzzy bass line that brings a smile to my face. I love the consistency of that bass line, how every instrument gets a turn playing a lead hook in alternating fashion over it, how the vocals that seem to be delivered at the very top of Bernard Sumner’s register, an how free-form the whole thing feels. It’s as if the band got in a room and hit record while they just freestyled during the entire performance until they felt like they’d made their point. It’s a song that has something magical inside of it, a bond between brothers, a hope for brighter days ahead. It’s a theme that permeates throughout the rest of the album and leaves you feeling full.
Standout Songs: “Age of Consent”, “The Village”, “Your Silent Face”
