Wire – Change Becomes Us

No Need to Change

It is rare for a band to survive nearly forty years with almost the exact same line up the entire time, and still produce something original and enjoyable for modern listeners as well as their older fans. Wire, though, has done just that with their newest release, Change Becomes Us. Seamlessly blending old school ‘80s new wave with a fresh take on minimalist post punk, this new record has something for a wide range of listeners. Whether this is your first time listening to Wire or you’ve been a fan since day one, Change Becomes Us certainly is something to enjoy.

A compilation of unused on-stage skits, the tracks on Change Becomes Us are individually strong and interesting while working together neatly to make a consistent and enjoyable full album. Some of the songs, such as “& Much Besides,” are probably better suited for the stage than on record, but most of the songs hit the mark perfectly. There is a lot of variation among the songs, with some, like the opening track “Doubles & Trebles,” being rather heavy and others, like “Eels Sang,” having a much more upbeat feel. The changes in styles pop up throughout the record, keeping the listener constantly engaged through the general calm, minimal feel of the album as a whole.

While its unavoidable new wave vibe might turn off some punk die-hards, Change Becomes Us is a great pick for any ‘80s fan, young or old, as well as anyone looking for a soundtrack for these grey early spring days that are to come. Post-punk is becoming more and more of a popular genre, and with so many bands just ripping off the same few groups, it is refreshing to see a band who has been around for so long give us something completely different while still emanating nostalgia.