Wire – Silver/Lead – Album Review by Killian Laher

Wire are back with their seventh album of this phase of their career (since 2003) and 16th overall. One of the least ‘showy’ bands ever, they have an identifiable sound in that not a single note that doesn’t belong is played. Even Colin Newman’s vocals blend into the whole, rather than carving out a place of their own. Much of this serious, melodic album sounds a little like mid/late Bowie, without the distinctive vocals. Opener Playing Harp for the Fishes, Diamonds in Cups and Forever and a Day very much occupy this mould. The songs are uncomplicated, downbeat without wallowing.

There are a few deviations from the formula. Short Elevated Period rocks pretty hard for its short running time, and is also one of the fastest songs here. Sonic Lens has doomy, almost Goth overtones, while Sleep on the Wing is almost a torch song (for them).

But for the most part it’s business as usual. Credit to them for continuing to plough their own uncompromising furrow.

Track List:

1. Playing Harp for the Fishes
2. Short Elevated Period
3. Diamonds in Cups
4. Forever and a Day
5. An Alibi
6. Sonic Lens
7. This Time
8. Brio
9. Sleep on the Wing
10. Silver/Lead

Diamonds in Cups