Unlike most seminal bands, when an artist claims to have been heavily influenced by Wire, you have no idea what the band might sound like. Similarly, when presented with a new Wire release, you have no idea what to expect. Could it be two and a half minute spare punk rock? Perhaps obtuse art-rock that pushes the instrumental and lyrical envelope? Or maybe jarring maniacal electric drill industrial with an overt political bent?
While they traverse the musical map with ease, often veering into uncharted spaces, this is actually why each announcement of a new release from the UK stalwarts is welcome with anticipation and zeal by so many rock music nerds. And such was the reaction to Object 47, Wire’s 11th full length release, which thankfully followed the industrial leanings of their previous release, Send, with a totally different noise. Instead of abrasion, the veterans switched their recent trajectory and brought it back to their more ethereal side. Harkening back to the sounds of their classic, “The 15th”, Object 47 is lighter and more spacious than Send’s claustrophobic intensity by miles. The rhythmic repetition throughout gives a trance like calm to the record that also allows for the stronger tracks, like “Perspex Icon” to stand out. But it is the initial track that sets the bar for the entire record. All bass and groove, “One of Us,” will, in time, inspire a new crop of Elastica’s, Fischerspooner’s and Ministry’s. And if it does, luckily, Object 47 is not a bad place to start.
