New Order 'Music Complete' album review

Image: New Order 

When New Order first rose from the ashes of Joy Division in 1980, no one was quite sure what the outcome would ever be.

“No band ever survives the death of their lead singer. So when Joy Division became New Order no one expected them to succeed.” - 24 Hour Party People

Not many would expect that 25 years on the group would be releasing their tenth album. Albeit the first to sadly be missing Peter Hook due to a pretty public fall out between bassist and band.

The lack of Hook is something that puts the record on the back foot immediately. His bass playing is renowned for shaping New Order's signature sound. It's a massive hit for any band to take, especially a band that Peter has been at the forefront of for the previous nine albums.

Predictably then, there are numerous moments that do yearn out for that irreplaceable twang. Most noticeably in the opening chords of 'Singularity' that could be used with greater effect. 

Nitpicking, and longing for Hooky aside though, it gets much harder to pick faults when looking at the album as a piece of work by New Order. Not New Order minus Peter hook.

Not many can doubt the longevity of the icons, but there's always a risk with bands that have been around for so long to maintain their relevance. In theory, this album was a pretty brave move. 

It strikes up an excellent balance between modern dance influences and what made the band so iconic in the eighties by opting for synth based grooves. Take 'Plastic' for example, a tune that sounds like a huge trance anthem ripped straight out of the Hacienda's PA system.

Intertwining that with the more current dance scene, no one is more well informed than Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers who produced 'Plastic' and 'Singularity'. The prior is a particular highlight, sounding exactly like you'd would want a track to sound like when dance icons collide. 

'People on The High Line' (listen below) is another pleasant surprise, beginning with a funk laden wakka wakka guitar that wouldn't sound out of place on a seventies disco anthem. It's an unexpected inclusion, almost as unexpected as Iggy Pop's spoken word input in 'Stray Dog', both being very welcome ones though.

Not many have ever debated New Order's longevity, but apprehension was always expected when releasing a first bit of work in ten years. More so, after losing a pivotal member.

A huge amount of credit is due for them creating a record that is wholly relevant and genuinely exciting from start to finish. Music Complete engages the euphoria that the band triggered in their prime, and bringing in a number of high profile artists of today has showed to be an inspired choice.

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