Exciting post punk album for 2018
British post-punk group Shopping had a different plan for their third album, The Official Body. While their music has always had a playful, dance-oriented feel, as is the case for their debut album and 2015’s Why Choose?, the trio tried developing a more serious tone and discussing more current political events. Even with complicated topics of extreme capitalism, the powers-that-be and queer and gender politics, Shopping made an exciting and loose dance album.
The album starts off with the lead single, “The Hype,” which starts the album blazing with steady grooves and shouting vocals from Rachael Aggs and company. They accomplish a funky punk song ready for the dance floor. There’s also some hidden tropical percussion from drummer Andrew Milk that playfully pops in and out, and shows up sporadically throughout the album. “Wild Child” starts off with a wonderful bass line, and the chorus flourishes with a subtle backing synth in classic post punk fashion.
Cuts like “Asking for a Friend” and “Shave Your Head” shows off the bands technical ability, with odd syncopation and riffs, with classic post punk guitar tones and roaring bass lines. “Discovery” sounds like a goth rock Frankenstein with a rumbling synth bass, along with the few other more gothic tracks that appear on the album such as “New Values,” which showcases a bouncy drumline and what sounds like a synth-sax. The track then breaks down into a spacious triplet groove that adds a great touch.
Aggs’ vocals add a nice addition to the instrumentation, with lyrics about Brexit and the mysterious powers that control British politics. “Suddenly Gone” sounds like the band’s response to Brexit, since Shopping hasn’t released a full album in almost three years. Moodier cuts like “Shave Your Head” discuss the oppression from freedom to express yourself. The band have always had politics in the center of their music, but it seems they’ve matured in how they approach their lyrics.
The Official Body is an improvement on all fronts for the band, in technicality and composition. Although there are some moments where the structure is repetitive and not explored further, the end result is a great comeback after a three-year gap. It doesn’t sound that intricate from its fun and wild tone, but it certainly accomplishes it’s goal: a pleasurable political album for 2018.
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