Since their formation in the aftermath of Ian Curtis‘ suicide 35 years ago, there has been much ink spilled throughout New Order’s history, so getting into their backstory is largely unnecessary for most; however, what I will say is that they may arguably be one of the most critically applauded and beloved acts of the 1980s — thanks in part to their eventual seamless meshing of electronic dance music and post-punk.
The band’s forthcoming effort, Music Complete is slated for a September 25 release and it marks two rather important milestones in the band’s history — it’s the band’s first album through renowned indie label Mute Records and the first album without co-founding member Peter Hook. The album’s first single “Restless” is a breezy and subtly modern refinement of the sound that so many listeners find beloved. In this case, acoustic guitar is pared with swirling electronics, soaring synths, a prototypical New Order guitar solo, four-on-the-floor drums and Sumner’s ironically distracted, lilting vocals and a gorgeous string arrangement.
