Wire Silver / Lead (Pinkflag, 2017)

Forty years after their ground-breaking debut, Pink Flag, legendary post-punk pioneers Wire return with their 15th studio album, Silver / Lead. Far from a nostalgia act, this 2017 release finds the quartetGraham Lewis, Colin Newman, Robert Grey, and Matt Simmsmasterfully blending their art-punk roots with sophisticated, modern “art-pop” sensibilities.

Described by critics as an “alchemical” masterpiece, Silver / Lead is recognized for its meticulous composition and infectious melodies. The album strikes a perfect balance between the band’s jagged past and a refined, melodic future, drawing favorable comparisons to their classic 154 and Mute-era output. While retaining their signature “edgy and erudite” style, the record offers a perkier, more accessible sound than recent predecessors.

Key Tracks Include:

• “Short Elevated Period”: A high-energy, “neck-snapper” that harks back to the sharp, jagged urgency of Chairs Missing.
• “Playing Harp for the Fishes”: A dense, intriguing opener exploring themes of mortality with “serpentine subtleties.”
• “Diamonds in Cups”: An infectious, optimistic track featuring “T-Rex-ian” chugging and classic Wire arpeggios.
• “Sleep on the Wing”: A reflective piece accentuated by spacey organ sounds and textural electronica.
• “Silver / Lead”: A sparse and haunting title track that provides a “metallic KO” denouement.

Whether you are a long-time member of “Generation B-Side” or a newcomer to their influential sound, Silver / Lead proves that Wire remains at the vanguard of the genre they helped invent.