New Order - Low-Life

New Order is one of the most renowned synthpop bands of all time, with hit singles such as Blue Monday, True Faith, and Temptation, but have proven to me in the past two years with both Low-Life and Technique that they also have the chops to make not just a groovy hit, but a groovy album. 

The opener to Low-Life, Love Vigilantes, is a track about a soldier in the Vietnam War, where the soldier longs to go home from the war of “freedom and truth”, but once he arrives from the tour, he discovers that his wife has taken her own life after getting a telegram that he has died. It’s ambiguous as to whether or not he has actually died, but is a clever way to tackle the horrifying aspects of war. This ongoing theme of groovy beats but dark themes continues onto the next track Perfect Kiss, which is much more upbeat with a driving synth and backing bass, but also has topics about the “perfect kiss” actually alluding to the kiss of death. This also potentially alludes to Ian Curtis, who was the main force behind Joy Division before New Order was formed, with Bernard Summer referencing that they may have been aware of his mental state, but weren’t aware of how bad it was before his passing. The fifth track Elegia may be the most grand and anti-pop track that New Order has made, with an intro of descending synths and guitars that continue to build throughout the track and make it sound as if you are near the climax of a 80s classic horror film. There are no vocals on this track, making it very distinct from most other New Order tracks while still adding to the album. 

New Order has continually been one of the best bands of the 80s, and I look forward to exploring their discography more in the future. I would highly recommend listening to this album or Technique if you like bands such as The Cure, Chvrches, or Depeche Mode, or have any interest in synthpop at all.