New Order: Music Complete

Ron Hart on December 8, 2015

On Music Complete, their first true new LP in a decade, it might seem on paper as though New Order are trying to fill the void left by former bassist Peter Hook with an array of guests. But each cameo provides color as sharp as the record’s Mondrian-esque jacket art this impressive 11-song set, firmly rooted in the sweet spot of the Manchester group’s mid-‘80s period. “Singularity” and “Unlearn This Hatred” are everything that you’d expect from New Order songs produced by Chemical Brother Tom Rowlands, while Elly Jackson of La Roux proves to be a fitting vocal foil for Bernard Sumner on “Tutti Fruitti” and “Plastic.” Iggy Pop goes full-blown Rain Dogs on them for the heady, atmospheric “Stray Dog” before they provide Brandon Flowers with his career highlight, letting him sing lead on the Brotherhood-esque closer “Superheated.” But, of course, the star of the show remains Sumner who, after 40 years, deserves a prime spot beside Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix as one of the best lead guitarist frontmen in the annals of rock history.

Artist: New Order
Album: Music Complete
Label: Mute