Wire
Mind Hive
Pink Flag
Album number 17 for any band is quite an achievement these days but all the more impressive knowing that this is Wire's sixth in a decade.
Mind Hive continues the band's exploration of off-centre lyrics and edgy guitar-driven alternative (cough) pop but adopts a somewhat subdued feel as the album progresses.
Save for the first handful of songs, the frantic drive of previous albums Nocturnal Koreans and Silver/Lead has been eschewed for a rather more plaintive and reflective mood, particularly during the second half. And this is the album's U.S.P. because the multi-facted Wire can also turn their attention to woozy psychedelia (Unrepentant), trippy acoustics (the raw and brutal Shadows) and gnarly extended jams (Hung), as well their trademark sprightly and scathing new wave - Primed and Ready and Oklahoma being two of the highlights.
The last cut is the deepest though - the short and bittersweet Humming is almost over before it's begun, a poignant beatless ballad that recalls some of Wire's prettiest short songs, reminding me of Wealth by Talk Talk.
After repeated plays, Mind Hive slowly unravels a rich tapestry worth revisiting.
9/10
Mind Hive
Pink Flag
Mind Hive continues the band's exploration of off-centre lyrics and edgy guitar-driven alternative (cough) pop but adopts a somewhat subdued feel as the album progresses.
Save for the first handful of songs, the frantic drive of previous albums Nocturnal Koreans and Silver/Lead has been eschewed for a rather more plaintive and reflective mood, particularly during the second half. And this is the album's U.S.P. because the multi-facted Wire can also turn their attention to woozy psychedelia (Unrepentant), trippy acoustics (the raw and brutal Shadows) and gnarly extended jams (Hung), as well their trademark sprightly and scathing new wave - Primed and Ready and Oklahoma being two of the highlights.
The last cut is the deepest though - the short and bittersweet Humming is almost over before it's begun, a poignant beatless ballad that recalls some of Wire's prettiest short songs, reminding me of Wealth by Talk Talk.
After repeated plays, Mind Hive slowly unravels a rich tapestry worth revisiting.
9/10