Moving Units revisits some of Joy Division’s best work

Hypnotic, textured, and delightful are a few ways to describe the Moving Unit’s take on some of Joy Division’s timeless classics, compiled across ten songs on their newest album Collision With Joy Division. An introspective album packed with masterful songs that are rich in both atmosphere and complexity, listeners are blessed with tracks that get better with repeated plays.

Moving Units, along with artists like Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party, pioneered a brand of dance punk that exploded in the early 2000s, according to Alternative Press. Now, they’ve created a perfect tribute LP to one of the most influential post-punk bands of all time. Danceable and indulgent, Collision With Joy Division has a genuine sound that will transport you to a completely different time.

One of the better winter soundtracks of the year, the band’s sound on the album is both dreamy and dynamic. The album opens with ambitious melodies on the track “Disorder,” drawing you in with hazy and nostalgic sounds. It’s easily a standout on the album right off the bat, setting high expectations for the rest of the album.

“Transmission” is a quick and nimble track that’s complimented by a heavy string of bass; incredibly danceable and fun. “Shadow Play,” seductive and also heavy in bass like it’s precursor, carries an ’80s synthpop vibe with an electric guitar solo.

“Insight” feels a little more modern and catchy. “Digital” takes on a different sound, delving into the realm of punk while still incorporating strong bass. It’s upbeat, and it’s vocals, like all the other tracks on the album, stay true to the original version of the song.

Western-influenced “Interzone” charts a new course, pairing raunchy guitar riffs with the vocals to add an element of punk. “Isolation” returns to smooth, dreamlike synthpop, nearly intoxicating the listener. At first glance it’s a bubbly pop song, but the ensuing, haunting lyrics add contrasting themes to the track. Another favorite off the album, the lyrics about not knowing your true identity are honest and cutting.

“She’s Lost Control” starts off with an evil tone, heavy on the lo-fi and the distortion. With plenty of reverberation in the vocals, This song stays stagnant in tempo and tone while remaining stylistically wild.

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” is incredibly ethereal, with apt vocals that resonates the same way that the original Joy Division version did. Truth be told it could pass for the original rather than a cover, but subtle vocal moments on Moving Units’ version add new textures for the listener’s pleasure.

“Atmosphere” takes it down a couple notches; a slow, synthesized ballad. It’s instrumentally vague, yet evocative at the same time, appearing to be a perfect fit for the end of a movie soundtrack. The vocals are low and complex, and while the tempo never picks up, the sentimentality holds the attention anyway.

Full of enticing harmonies and touching lyrics, each track on Collision With Joy Division glows with vibrant color, sounding fresh and modern rather than outdated. Combining timeless songs with keen, superb production creates a worthwhile soundtrack, and an album that’s easy to get lost in.