:: Get Ready

New Order

It’s satisfying to see that a long absence doesn’t necessarily diminish the quality of what a musical act once offered. Sceptics have been keen to pounce on any sort of age-weary irrelevance in the comeback album by New Order. Actually, this album seems a natural progression for Peter Hook and co from the “Republic” album in the early 90s. There are still the trademark riveting dance floor beats and glimpses of the rock ‘n’ roll energy that put them at the top of their craft all those years ago. Keen observers might notice the influence of Peter Hook’s Monaco project in dissecting the sound of this album. “Crystal” is such an example, and it’s a fantastic song to kickstart things. The album moves at a solid pace with “Primitive Notion” and Rock The Shack” providing big moments. In fact, it’s interesting to note that Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie and Andrew McInnes guest on the latter track. And the surprise appearance of Billy Corgan (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on “Turn My Way” doesn’t downgrade the standard of that track. Some terrific vocal-bass interaction highlights “Someone Like You” and a typical New Order offering is “Run Wild”, which sees the band take their sound into the future in triumphant fashion. A refreshing sound makes it great to see them back. Ensure you see them perform at the Big Day Out in Australia and New Zealand in January 2002.