For a band that has never liked to stay too connected with it’s musical past, Wire has put out an album by doing just that. Change Becomes Us is an album of newly recorded variations on some formerly undeveloped tracks. Meeting at Rockfield Studios in Wales in the Spring of 2012, band members Colin Newman, Graham Lewis, Robert Grey, and Matthew Simms began reviewing some older song sketches from the band’s highly creative period in the late 70’s and early 80’s. These song fragments had never been fully developed, and really only existed as rudimentary sonic ideas that hadn’t made it past a few live performances. For instance, the album’s opener “Doubles & Trebles” harkens back to 1979’s 154 with it’s gravelly guitars grinding their way through a gritty blanket of sound, as Colin Newman brings his acerbic, clenched teeth vocal style to lines that are opaque and sharp. Perhaps, it’s the installation of a new member, Matthew Simms , or maybe founding members Colin Newman and Co. are becoming comfortable with their past. Whatever the reason, it’s great to hear Wire, again, reinventing their second wheel. Change Becomes Us is out now on Wire’s own imprint Pink Flag Records. Stream tracks from the album below, and check out Wire’s upcoming U.S. tour dates.
Upcoming Wire gigs:
April 20th: Sister Ray Shop, London – Record Store Day Event
July 7th: Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit, USA
July 12th: The Sinclair, Cambridge, Mass, USA
July 13th: Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA, USA
July 14th: Black Cat, Washington, DC, USA
July 16th: Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY, USA
July 17th: Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH, USA
July 19th: Pitchfork Festival, Chicago, IL, USA
