Category: New Wave

Devo’s “Freedom of Choice” Turns 40

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On this day in 1980 “Devo” released their third album Freedom of Choice. We’ve all heard “Whip It,” and we all know the flower pot hats, but aside from these staples of 80’s Pop culture, Freedom of Choice was Devo’s tour de force that both encapsulated the spirit of the dominant “New Wave” era, and offered something unique and immensely animated both musically and visually. This album saw the band incorporating even more synthesizers without sacrificing their guitar-driven Rock edge, and the satirical, absurd, and often tongue-in-cheek lyrics that poked fun at the human condition made the band everyone’s favorite aliens studying humanity. Happy Anniversary!

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New Order’s “Low-Life” Turns 35

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On this day in 1985 “New Order” released their iconic third album Low-Life. Following the release of their highly successful and influential single “Blue Monday” in 1983, “New Order” released what became known as their finest work. Low-Life is an album that found the band perfecting the “Electronic” style they hinted at in prior singles and deep cuts off their previous album Power, Corruption, & Lies, and the synths, samplers, and synth bass combined with their usual Rock elements thanks to Peter Hook’s high-end bass and Bernard Sumner’s guitar saw the band developing the distinct “New Order” sound. This album was the complete transformation that departed from their earlier work that featured shades of their previous band “Joy Division” with it’s gloomy Post-Punk dominated sound. This album also featured Bernard Sumner sounding his most confident vocally and even writing simplistic but impactful lyrics with themes such as love, alienation, and even an anti-war song that opens up the album. Very few records are flawless, and this is one of those rarities. Not a skippable track on this thing. Happy Anniversary!

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The Strokes Share New Song “Bad Decisions”

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It’s really happening! “The Strokes” are back. Set to release their new album The New Abnormal on April 10th, the band have released another track off the upcoming album titled “Bad Decisions,” and it’s sure to satisfy fans and those who weren’t the biggest fans of their previous single “At the Door.” The track has an 80’s influence, even so much that Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” comes to mind upon hearing it. You can watch the 70’s inspired music video for “Bad Decisions” below:

 

Portrayal of Guilt and Soft Kill Release Split 7”

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On the heels of their fantastic new E.P. Suffering is a Gift, Punk band “Portrayal of Guilt” have released more music with the band “Soft Kill” on a new 7” via “Closed Casket Activities.” Portrayal of Guilt’s track “Sacrificial Rite” is a tumultuous howl of doom that blends elements of both Punk and Metal, whereas Soft Kill’s track “Tin Foil Drip” is a lush and melodic shoegazey tune. You can stream as well as purchase the new 7” below:

https://portrayalofguilt.com/album/portrayal-of-guilt-soft-kill-split