New Order emerged in the early '80s from the remnants of post-punk Joy Division. The suicide of singer Ian Curtis coerced the remaining trio into recruiting Gillian Gilbert on keyboards, while guitarist Bernard Sumner assumed vocal duties. The band went through a period in which many considered them only an incarnation of what was originally meant to be, as the sound of their previous effort was obvious. They persevered, though, and their second release, 'Power, Corruption and Lies', granted them a persona all their own. Though New Order was known for their keyboard drenched dance music, it was Sumner's rhythmical picking and repetitious riffs that formulated their signature sound. A perfect example of this is the cut 'Age of Consent' from the aforementioned album. The band's staying power was their constant ability to keep a foot in both mainstream and underground territory.

'Waiting For The Siren's Call' is New Order's first release since 2001s 'Get Ready'. I prefer the newer one, but both are comparable in the sense that they're more rock oriented than the earlier dance material. The songs here are powerful and uplifting. It doesn't convey that monotonous feeling either, the one you get all too often when listening to old bands try to regain what they once had. The songs are fresh and innovative.

As soon as I hit the play button and 'Who's Joe' started up, I was taken aback by the stylish intro. When the drums and guitar came in I was fully captivated, and realized immediately that it was the best straightforward rock I'd heard in quite a while. Though there is a few synthesized dance numbers on the album, Gillian Gilbert's keyboard prowess adds diversity to the whole collection. She enhances the all-around sound perfectly. The guitar is crisp and refined, and very prominent throughout the whole work, and the rhythmical flow of riffs I had previously mentioned are still there. Bernard Sumner, underrated as he has been over the years, proves more than ever what a stylish player he is. Peter Hook's bass playing and Steven Morris' drumming are totally funked up, and they bring the music full circle in a natural way.

'Waiting For The Sirens' Call' is modern and satisfying. New Order fans are going to love it; pop rock fans in general will, too. If you don't remember them, or don't even know who they are, then give the whole CD a good listen. It's quality, wholesome rock with some hip-shaking potential going on.

New Order is:

Bernard Sumner: guitar and vocal
Gillian Gilbert: keyboards (and some guitar)
Peter Hook: bass
Stephen Morris: drums

Track Listing:

1) Who's Joe
2) Hey Now What You Doing
3) Waiting For The Sirens' Call
4) Krafty
5) I Told You So
6) Morning Night & Day
7) Dracula's Castle
8) Jetstream
9) Guilt Is A Useless Emotion
10) Turn
11) Working Overtime
12) Guilt Is A Useless Emotion (U.S. Bonus Track)

Label:

Warner Bros Records, Inc.

Links:

New Order
Amazon.com