NEW Order are back with a brand new album this month called Music Complete. It's a bitter-sweet return as Gillian Gilbert has properly rejoined the band but Peter Hook is no longer part of the set-up, having officially parted ways with his band mates after decades.
Gilbert's comeback has prompted a return to that irresistible synth-driven lush New Order sound but of course without Hooky, we can only lament the loss of that true signature bass sound and all its melancholy glory.
The trailer single from the new record is Restless, a highly melodic and charismatic mid-tempo track that is reminiscent of the band's work on their 90s opus Republic which housed classics such as Regret and World.
As is the fashion in 2015, the album sees some high profile collaborations – Brandon Flowers provides a duet vocal on Superheated, Iggy Pop pops up on Stray Dog and Elly Jackson from La Roux joins in on the song People On The Highline.
In terms of production the album also bears a collective identity, with the band themselves producing along with Stuart Price, the man responsible for hit records for Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Take That and Example – also, extra production has also been undertaken by Tom Rowlands from Chemical Brothers.
LOCKED AND LOADED
LISTEN out for a track by R City called Locked Away. It's one of those tracks that will be ubiquitous within a fortnight and whether you like it or not will become a part of your life this autumn.
The song has been around for a few months but is starting to enjoy renewed interest and may take on a much longer shelf life than it probably deserves.
The vocalist on the song is Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Virgin Island's production team R City have gelled perfectly with him on this reggae-tinged, exotic pop song. “Oh... I think they have found themselves a cheerleader.”
BROTHERS IN RHYTHM
DISCLOSURE'S much-anticipated second album sees the light of day next week.
Caracal is another collaboration heavy electro disco masterpiece just like it's predecessor Settle. The Lawrence brothers have turned up the heat a little higher on this record, delivering bigger beats, bigger choruses and deeper grooves all pulled together with seductive strings and some very laudable vocal performances from the likes of Gregory Porter and Kwabs.
Sam Smith is on board again too and his track Omen is definitely one of the album's stand out tracks. Best song on the record though is Lion Babe's offering, Hourglass.
