In the 35 years since their formation, much ink has been spilled throughout New Order’s history, so delving deeply into their backstory is largely unnecessary; however, what I will say is that New Order may arguably be one of the most critically applauded and beloved New Wave acts of the 1980s — thanks in part to their eventual seamless meshing of electronic dance music and post-punk, which quickly became their signature sound. Certainly, for anyone, who grew up in the 80s, New Order should bring about immediate feelings of nostalgia.
Music Complete, the band’s soon-to-be released, new album is slated for release next week, and it marks two important milestones for the band and its history — it’s the band’s first although released through the renowned indie label Mute Records and the first album without co-founding member Peter Hook, who left the band several years ago. So in some way, the album captures a band in a variety of transitions. Whereas the album’s first single “Restless” was a breezy and subtly modern refinement of their familiar and beloved sound, the album’s second and latest single, “Plastic” is more like a refinement of their synth-based sound as it pairs Sumner’s lilting vocals singing lyrics that are stingingly accusatory with layers of pulsating synths reminiscent of Donna Summer‘s “I Feel Love” and Kraftwerk‘s “Trans Europe Express,” to craft what may be the album’s most club-friendly songs.
The band is touring through the EU during the fall to support the new album. Check out tour dates below.
Tour Dates
4 Nov – Paris, Casino de Paris
6 Nov – Brussels, Ancienne Belgique – SOLD OUT
8 Nov – Stockholm, Annexet
11 Nov – Berlin, Tempodrom
16 Nov – London, Brixton Academy – SOLD OUT
17 Nov – London, Brixton Academy
19 Nov – Glasgow, Academy
21 Nov – Liverpool, Olympia – SOLD OUT
24 Nov – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
5 Dec – Manchester, Warehouse Project – SOLD OUT
6 Dec – Manchester, Warehouse Project – SOLD OUT
