Since their formation in the aftermath of Ian Curtis‘ suicide over 35 years ago, there has been much ink 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.
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, who left the band several years ago. Music Complete‘s first single, “Restless” is a breezy and subtly modern refinement of the sound that so many listeners find beloved — and in some way, the single will remind people of late period New Order albums like Get Ready; however, in this case, the song begins with acoustic guitar and is paired with swirling electronics, soaring synths, a prototypical New Order guitar solo, four-on-the-floor drums, and Bernard Sumner’s lilting yet ironically distracted vocals singing lyrics about dysfunctional and confusing relationships (which most relationships tend to be at some point). A gorgeously lush, string arrangement is added to give the song an even moodier feel. Simply put, it’s New Order. What more could you want?
The official video continues the band’s reputation for surreal yet cinematic videos that never feature the band. And in this case, the video’s concept is a sort of medieval-inspired rave with brooding and beautiful, young people. As much as it captures the sentiment behind the song, it also looks as though it could have been a lengthy fashion shoot; but perhaps more important, holy shit is it ever gorgeously shot!
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
