Wire
With the post-punk revival now a just a dot in music’s rear view mirror, Getintothis’ Paul Higham brings news that two of the original pioneers are lining up spring dates at The Kazimier
Just when we thought that the current season’s calendar was reaching saturation point, our friends over at Evol have pulled out all the stops with a double-pronged announcement spread over two sure-fire gig spectaculars.
First up are legendary post-punk pioneers Wire who will play The Kazimier on April 23. One of the foremost and most influential members of the post-punk scene, Wire became renowned for their experimental and avant-garde interpretation of the style and for their unorthodox sonic leanings.
If the raucous punk stylings of their debut LP Pink Flag provided notice of the talent of the Colin Newman fronted band it was with the follow-up offerings that the band became truly distinctive and genuinely groundbreaking. Chairs Missing and its follow-up 154 saw the band branch out into different and ever more more experimental styles.
Guitar effects and the pronounced use of synthesisers saw the band eschew the taut minimalism of their debut in favour of more immersive and atmospheric numbers. Rich, detailed and complex the band’s sound and image was further characterised by a strong political stance and obscurely philosophical lyrical content.
The band’s recent LP Change Becomes Us confirms, despite their age, they remain cutting edge pioneers and the group have had a lasting impact on many contrasting styles. Artists such as Guided By Voices, The Cure, Minor Threat, REM and Lush have all fallen under Wire’s enduring spell during their own distinguished musical careers.
If one seminal English post-punk act wasn’t enough for you, The Kazimier will also be hosting The Pop Group on 11 May, as they conclude a UK tour in support of their first album in 35-years, Citizen Zombie. Support on the night will come from the incredible Bristol based global outfit Zun Zun Egui.
Produced by Paul Epworth (The Rapture, Plan B, Adele), a long-time fan of The Pop Group, the new album features original members Mark Stewart (lyrics / vocals), Dan Catsis (bass), Gareth Sager (guitar) and Bruce Smith (drums).
Like Wire, The Pop Group were adept at forging their own distinctive musical style.
Fusing the propulsion of English post-punk with a more funk-driven sound, The Pop Group rapidly achieved renown for their incendiary live performances. Having released landmark albums such as Y and For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder? the band split in the early 80s but their integration of different styles, including dub and rap, created an enduring legacy.
The band recently reformed and have come to prominence playing a host of prime festival slots including at Primavera and All Tomorrow’s Parties End of An Era finale.
Wire will play The Kazimier, Liverpool on April 23.
The Pop Group & Zun Zun Egui will play The Kazimier, Liverpool on May 11.
