The Gang still got it

It's been over ten years since post-punk pioneers Gang of Four released their last studio album "Shrink Wrapped" in 1995. Known mostly for their funky and critically acclaimed LP "Entertainment" the band has since replaced their original bassist and drummer and opted for a slower, less funk-driven approach.

On "Content" the talents of guitarist Andy Gil and vocalist Jon King still shine are as brilliantly as ever but the tempo has slowed and there is less emphasis on Entertainment-era basslines. The brunt of the musical weight is carried by Gil's muddy but brilliant guitar work. For the most part, fans will be pleased as long as they account for the band's new, more reflective style. Gone is the crazed disco beat that has long characterized the band and in its place is a more introspective and desolate groove that still seems to suit the band's impressive history.

There are echoes of the funky, 80s GoF on tracks like "Who Am I?" and "I Party All the Time" but for the most part the band has opted for a more experimental approach. The band's disdain for authority and their constant skepticism still dominate the lyrics. The band has not "sold out" or become "corporate" as Rage Against the Machine zombies might whine. They're playing with the band's sound and they haven't become any less rebellious or thought-provoking because of that.

Hardcore GoF fans should pick this up but fare-weather fans might balk. As a faithful admirer of Gang of Four, I give this record a strong B+. Also look out for tracks "Do as I say" and "I can see from far away". Still golden.

Gang of Four working on new album

British, post-punk gods, Gang of Four, are working on a new album and I'm extremely excited. I got into Gang of Four while I was on vacation in the UK with my family a few years ago, and saw some of their CDs in the bargain bin at an HMV. Little did I know that their seminal album Entertainment! would help sustain my long love affair with post-punk that I'd started with Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures.

In 2008 they put out an EP with one new original song called "Second Life" and some remixes. The sound is just a bit different than their older stuff but it seems very promising. I found out about the new album on my Facebook feed and ran into a funny problem when I tried to listen to the new song. The link redirected me to a music site called pledgemusic.com and I was told that if I "pledged" I'd be able to view the new material. The funny thing about this site is that it wanted me to apply for a membership before I could actually hear the new song. Gang of Four is famous, perhaps infamous, for their distrust of the corporate world and many different aspects of capitalism. So why are they asking me to pay to hear new content? Sort of hypocritical but I guess the world is different than it was in the 80s so I'll excuse this little problem. At any rate, I'm eagerly waiting for them to put out the whole album but until then, here's a little interview to keep you occupied.