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Article published May 29, 2005
CD reviews: New Order sharpens its edge with high-energy rock and roll
WAITING FOR THE SIRENS’ CALL New Order (Warner Bros.) One of the premier bands to emerge from Manchester, England, New Order — once known as Joy Division — has been making rock and dance music under different guises for almost 30 years. And on the evidence of “Waiting,” the years haven’t diminished its vitality or creative edge.
The group offers 11 tracks — plus a bonus mix (the links between rock and dance made obvious in that addition) — that crackle with energy from the opening “Who’s Joe?”
With their blend of punchy rock and roll with pop hooks; a crisp, fresh sound; locked-in-the-beat rhythm section, and chiming guitars, the songs have an immediate impact — especially the anthemic “Turn.”
The title track has one of the disc’s most attractive melodies with a potent rhythm and great guitar hook. The first single, “Krafty,” crosses energetic electro and pop, while the band brings a dancehall groove to the ridiculously rhythmic “I Told You So.”
New Order is savvy enough to avoid a one-dimensional musical approach, adding a nicely retro ’80s feel to “Jetstream,” and kicks into a dance beat on “Guilt Is A Useless Emotion” — maybe the CD’s best track, combining an energetic rhythm with a strong melody line and chorus.
Fittingly, the disc ends with an electro-trance remix of “Emotion,” pulling the dance and rock strands of the band’s work together. Anyone who values solid rock and roll — but rock that looks beyond formulas and cliches — will want to heed this “Sirens’ ” call.
— RICHARD PATON
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